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LO UIS F. HAFFEN 



History of Bronx Borough 

CITY OF NEW YORK 



Compiled for 
THE NORTH SIDE NEWS 

By 

RANDALL COMFORT, A. B., LL.B. 

Member of the New York Historical Society 
with Collaboration of 

CHARLES D. STEURER 
CHARLES A. D. MEYERHOFF 



I 



North Side News Press 

i^gth Street and Bergen Avenue 

New York 

igo6 



UBRARY of CONGRESS 

IwcrOuuics Recetved 

AUG 2/ i!JU6 

(itASS ^ AAC. No, 
COPY A. J 



COPYRIGHT 1906 
By F. T. Smiley Publishing Company 






c^ 



..^u ^ 



This work is Printed xifh Double-tone Sepia Ink 
Manufactured h\ Sigmund Vllman Co. 



Views iy Randall Comfort 
Assisted b\ Dr. G. W. Nash and George E. Stonebridge 



Portraits largely by Rockwood 



PREFACE. 



LOATING down the stream of ages have come to us many historical facts, many 
interesting traditions and many myths Irrevocably connected with that part of the 
American Metropolis known as the Borough of the Bronx, it has been the constant 
intention of the author to gather these into a brief and readable form for those into whose 
hands this history may fall. In doing this he has been confronted by a serious handicap that 
every historian must meet — the vast conflict of authority that is to be found everywhere. 

Again, the historical portion of this book, It must be understood, dates from the time of the 
manuscripts having been handed in, as many changes may have occurred afterward, too late 
for insertion. 

Notwithstanding these small perplexities, the collection and classification of these items, 
imperfect as they are, have been a source of deep gratification to the author, and he sincerely 
hopes that it may be equally satisfactory to all who read it. Finally, he wishes to express his 
many thanks to his army of friends who have so kindly guided him to interesting spots, and to 
those who have so hospitably thrown open their doors at his knock. 

THE AUTHOR. 



F 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 



CHAPTER I. 

Glacial Age 

The Glacial Man— Glacial Traces— Noted Boulders- 
The Indian P.alh— The Indian Cemetery. 

CHAPTER H. 



PAc:: 
I 



Indians of the Bronx 3 

Hendrick Hudson's Experience — Indian Names — In- 
dian Vdlages — Indian Deeds. 

CHAPTER HI. 

First White Settlers 7 

Jjnas Bronek — Aime Hutchinson — John Throckmor- 
ton — Thomas Cornell — Dr. Van Der Donck. 

CHAPTER IV. 

■ Settlement of Westchester 1 1 

Thomas Pell— His Deed of Westchester— St. Peter's 
Church— The Old Bowne House and Other Old 
Houses. 

CHAPTER V. 

tchester l.} 

St. Paul's Church and Churchyard — The Vincent-1 lal- 
sey House — Reid's Mill — Mill Lane. 

CHAPTER VL 

igsbridge 17 

Old King's Bridge — The Free Bridge — The Macomb 
Mansion — The "Cowboys" and "Skinners" — The Neu- 
tral Ground — The Bloody Well — The Tippett House — 
The "Cowboys' Oak." 

CHAPTER VII. 

tyten Duyvil and Riverdale 19 

Spuyteu Duyvil Parkway — Origin of the Name "Spuy- 
ten Duyvil" — Canal Street Cottage — Old lladley House 
—The Van Tassel Household Dutch House— Anec- 
dotes. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

n Cortlandt Park Ji 

The Van Cortlandt Mansion — The Death of Captain 
Rowe — The Rhinelander Sugar House Window — The 
Van Cortlandt Mills — The Old Burying Ground — Van 
Cortlandt Lake— The Van Cortlandt Vault— Vault Hill 
— The indii'n Field — Redoubts Overlooking Kings- 
bridge. 

CHAPTER IX. 

neral Montgoraery 25 

His I'"arm at Kingsbridge — His Will — Lady Ranelagh, 
His Sister— Rev. John Peter Tetard— The Old Arch- 
way. N"* 



CHAPTER X. PACE 

The Old Boston Post Road, or Boston Avenue 27 

The "Negro b'ort" — The Isaac Varian Farm House — 
The Williams' Bridge— The Old Williams' House— The 
Havens' House— The Hustace-Cash House. 

CHAPTER XI. 

Boston Road ■ ^^^ 

Name of Harlaem— The Ferry and Rates of Ferriage— 
The Three Harlem Bridges and Rates of Toll— Boston 
Road— The Gouverneur Morris Tree— The Old School 
House— Mill Brook— Charlotte Temple's Home— Ex- 
tracts from Washington's Diary— Madam Knight's Ex- 
periences. 

CH API ER XII. 

Gouverneur Morris and Old Morrisania .^3 

Richard Morris— Gouverneur Morris— The Gouverneur 
Morris Mansion— Anecdotes—The Lewis Morris Man- 
sion— Morrisania Almost the Capital of America. 

CHAPTER XIII. 

Morrisania Village 35 

The Two Houses that Date from the Period when 
Morrisania was Bought— The Old Stone Gate House 
and the Jennings' Old Homestead — Anecdotes — The 
"Huckleberry Road'— Ihe Old Stages— The William 
H. Morris Mansion — The Morris I'~arm House— The 
Georgi House— The Mott House— Other Old Houses- 
Robert Bonner's Advertisement— The Old Spy House. 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Crotona Park 39 

The Indian Pond— Old I'ordham Avenue— The Bath- 
gate Homestead — Fairmount — The Old Shingle-Sided 
House — "The Rush." 

CHAPTER XV. 

West Farms and the Bronx River 41 

West Farms— The Bronx River— Anecdotes— The Wal- 
ker Mansion— The De Lancey Block House— Uncle 
Daniel Mapes' Temperance House — Tlie Old Ford — 
The Hassock Meadow— Old Patents. 



CHAPTER XVI. 



jironx Park 

De Lancey 's Mills— Lydig's Mills— De Lancey's Pine- 
Johnson's Tavern— The Zoological Park— Bronxdale— 
The Lorillard Estate— The Botanical Gardens. 

CHAPTER XVII. 

The Bronx Above Bronx Park 

Source of the Bronx— The "Hermitage"— Washing- 
ton's Gun House — Indian Rock — Valentine Farm House 
— Woodlavvn Cemetery— Adelina Patti's House. 



4.= 



48 



VI 



Table of contents 



CHAPTER XVIII. PACE 

Eden wald 51 

Seton Fallsl — Indian Hiding Place — Imdian Fortifica- 
tions — Seton Cave — Seton Mansion. 

CHAPTER XIX. 

Pclham Bay Park 5,3 

Anne Hutchinson — Thomas Pell — Haunted Cedar Knoll 
—Glover's Rock— Battle of Pell's Point— Old Ferris 
House — Old Peil Cemetery — Collins' Homestead — Pell 
Mansions — Howe Chestnut — Twin Islands — Hunter's 
Island. 

CHAPTER XX. 

City Island 59 

Ancient Horse Cars — Marshall Mansion — ^City Island 
Bridge — General History of the Island — Macedonia 
Hotel. 

CTTAPTER XXI. 

The Battle at Westchester Creek 63 

General Account — Extract from General Heath's Me- 
moirs — ^The Old Westchester Bath — Old Milestones. 

CHAPTER XXII. 

The Devil's .Stepping Stones G5 

The Satanic Legends — The Old Ferris Houses — The 
Spy Tree and its Legends — The Paul House — Kelly's 
Old Homestead — Thwaite's Old Homestead — "The 
Drovers' Inn" — The Adee Ccmeterv. 



CHAPTER XXIII.. 

Fort Schuyler and Screven's Point 

Fort Schuyler — Hart's Island' — Zcrcga's Point — Screv- 
en's Point — Castle Hill Mansion — The Wilkins' House. 



67 



Port Morris and 

Riker's Island — Two Brother 
counts of the Lost "Hussar." 



CHAPTER XXIV. 
The Hussar" 71 



Islands — Various Ac- 



CHAPTER XXV. 

Leggelt's Lane and Westchester Turnpike 72 

Leggett's Lane' — The Dater Mansion — The Dennison- 
White Mansion — The Revolutionary Cave — Oak Point 
— The Whitlock-Casanova Mansion — Westchester Turn- 
pike — Janes & Kirtland Iron Foundry — St. Ann's 
Church — The Pocahontas Branch Railroad — The "Great 
Eastern" — Bensonia Cemetery — The Bension Mansion. 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

'Fremont and Fordlmm 75 

Ancient Bathgate Avenue House — Historical Tremont — 
Jacob Lorillard Residence — Old Stenton Mansion — Old 
Powell Farm House — Rose Hill Farm House — Fordham 
Heights Cemetery — Poe Cottage — Dutch Reformed 
Church — Ancient Manor of Fordham. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. PAGii 

Parks of the Bronx Sj 

History and Description of the Parks and Parkways of 
the Bronx. 

CHAPTER XXIX. 

Railroads 85 

General Description and History of the Railroads of 
the Br.inx from Early Days to the Present. 

CHAPTER XXX. 

Hunt's Point 87 

The Vyse Mansion — The Old Hunt Inn — Fo.xhurst — 
The Fade Estate — The SpofTord Mansion — The Leggett 
Cemetery — The Baretto Mansion — The Hunt Cemetery 
— Joseph Rodman Drake — The Hunt Mansion^ — ^Lafay- 
ette Lane. 

CHAPTER XXXI. 

Jerome Park Reservoir Q2 

Jerome Park — Old Bathgate Houses — Remains of Old 
Redoubt — Old Croton Aqueduct — Jerome Park Reser- 
voir — Polo Club House. 

CHAPTER XXXII. 

The Clack Swamp and Highbridgeville 95 

The Mysterious Black Swamp — The Old Cromwell 
House — The Townsend Poole Cottage — Featherbed 
Lane — The De Voe Residence — Andrew Corsa. 

CH'APTER XXXIH. 

Places of More Recent Interest 09 

Old Mansions and Families in Bronx Borough — The 
Stenton Willow — Annexation in 1874 — Annexation in 
1895 — The Concourse — White Plains Road Widening — 
Westchester .Avenue Widening — The Bronx as a Sep- 
arate County — The Portchester Railroad — The Subway, 
Existing and Planned — ^Coming Improvements of the 
Harlem Railroad — A Wonderful Prophesy Fulfilled. 

CHAPTER XXXIV. 

Ecclesiastical .Architecture in the Bronx 109 

The Oldest and the Newest Houses of Divine Worship 
Shown — Commendable Progress in Developing Relig- 
ious Interests in the Borough — Some of the Pastors 
of Bronx CInirches. 

CHAPTER XXXV. 

Catholic Educational Institutions 121 

New York Catholic Protectory, its Aims, Influence and 
Work — L^rsuline Academy — St. John's University, at 
Fordham — -Academy of Mount St. Vincent — Sacred 
Heart .Academy — Manhattan College. 

CHAPTER XXXVI. 
Municipal. Medical, Charitable and Benevolent Institutions 

and Societies in the Borough of the Bronx 13, 

Son\e of the Leading Medical Men of the Bronx. 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

The Bridges of the Bronx 

Bridges Crossing from the Borough of the Bronx to 
Manhattan Lsland — Their Various Histories and Points 
of Interest. 



CHAPTER XXXVII. 

79 Clubdom in the Bronx 163 

Some of the Principal Social and Political Organiza- 
tions — Jefferson — Schnorer — Fordham — Brown- 
son — Chippewa — Longwood — Bronx — Union Re- 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 



publican — North Side Republican — Mohawk — Wam- 
panoag — Mott Haven — Men's Club of the Protestant 
Episcopal Church. 

CHAPTER XXXVHI. 

c Bodies in the Bronx 167 

North Side Board of Trade — Twenty-third Ward Prop- 
erty Owners' Association — Taxpayers' Alliance — Im- 
provement League. 

CHAPTER XXXIX. 

Association of the Bar in the Borough of the Bronx. . 174 

CHAPTER XL. 

■csentatives nf the Bar 177 

Some of the Prominent Members of the Legal Fra- 
ternity of the Bronx. 

CHAPTER XLI. 

^ryphical Sketches 213 

The Personal History of Many of Those Who Have 
Been and .'Hre Prominent in the Life of the Bronx and 
Have Aided in its Development. 

CHAPTER XLII. 

he Public Eye 272 

Some of the Men Who Have Figured in Developing 



the Borough, and Have Attained More Prominence 
Than is Accorded Most Men. 

CHAPTER XLIII. 

Manufacturing and Industrial Enterprises 292 

The Bronx a Center of Commercial Activity — Marvel- 
ous Growth Shown in the Leading Channels of Manu- 
factures. 

CHAPTER XLIV. 

Prominent Men of Affairs 331 

Who Have Made Their Mark in the Annals of this 
Progressive Borough. 

CHAPTER XLV. 

Educational Advantages 391 

Colleges — Seminaries — Public Schools — Commer- 
cial Schools. 

CHAPTER XLVI. 

Transportation Facilities of the Bronx 305 

The Portchester Railroad — Union Railway Company — 
New York City Interborough Railway — College Point 
Ferry. 

CHAPTER XLVII. 

About the Steurer Publishing Company 403 

A Great Printing House Occupying Six Floors, 
Located in the Business Center of the Bronx. 




GENERAL ILLUSTRATIONS 



PACE 

ioat Chill Scene on llic 1 larlcni 5J 

:leniy al Ml. Si. \'incL-nl ij^ 

Joebns' I'lnn-ial anil Ivnlialmina l£sial)li.shnK'nl ,i,y) 

ceiie on iht- I'mnx Ri\X'r near llie IK-nilork (onvc 6 

cene on l'ron.\ River 48 

)cene in l'"cho Park 60 

His NiH.nday Meal ;/; 

VTorris Park Race Track .8? 

atic Bird Tlonse in I'.ron.v Park 8j 

;1 Concert in Macmnli^ l)ani Park 60 

;ba!l Game in Crolona Park . . 'lo 

[gate House oj 

igate Homestead ■ y-j 

ionia Cemetery, Formerly Located al ihe Jnnction of St. 

Ann's and P.rook .\\enne.; .. i itj 

ian Cemetery, l'"ordham 1 lei.ulii ■, 76 

seye View of llie Xew \'ork Catlmlic Prottctory ijo 

on Road at Spencers Corner, luai- Williamsbridgc. . 29 

nical Mnsenni in I'.ron.x Park ■. . . 50 

ge as Proposed on the Ponchester Railroad 396 

ge Connecting L.nrillard Mansion with llemlock Grove,. <S6 

'ornia Sea l.mn — .-\ Scene in I'.ronx ['ark., Oq 

nova Mansion , . 73 

olic Protectory I'.and i-'.j 

legie Library, .Mcxander .\ venue and i^oih .Stie^l .;.'o 

ral L'nion Gashght Company's Office linilding, I42d 

Street and .Mexander .\venue -'0- 

)el and A-^seinhly Mall of the New York Catholic I'ro- 

tectony .122 

)el at Ml. St. 'Vincent . ijr 

st Episcopal Clinrcli, Ri\erdale and .M.amo .Avennes... 2.) 

Island Car 62 

emont Park Congregational Clinrch , . ti;; 

;on Avenne and 170th Street Soeiiieen ^'ear.. .\t;>. 70 

;ge Point Ferry P.oat ( "Port Morris" 1 400 

red Orphan Asyhnn. Riverdale .\venne 136 

lieger's Son I'actc iry 323 

liwell Farm I louse 06 

Lanccy's Pine .|5 

;ram of Pews of Old St. Paul's Chinch. Fastchester 14 

sel Railwav Lamp Works ... 315 

blishment of Kiny the I'lonst .. 38.; 

npt Firemen on Parade 105 

: German M. F. Church. Fllon .'\ venue and i5Sth Street. 110 

itliill Castle." Academy of Mt. St. Vincent i.;o 

cluirsl," Residence of William Simpson 377 

Mansion 99 

1/ Sigel Park 82 

Bridge. Kingsbridge 18 

em River, Looking North from MaduiMi Awnne Bridge, 97 

em River, I.ooking West from Second .\veiiue Piridge. . 97 

;ock Meadow . . 43 

ry W. P.oettgcr Silk- Finishing Works ... 385 

1 Bridge 80 

le for Incurables, Third .\vcnuc between tSist and t,'^4i1i 

Streets 1 .^^ 

le of the Friendless, Woodycrest .Vvenne 134 



Hunt House, Boston Road, 

I lunt Mansion 

Indian Cemetery 

Indian L;d<e. (."rotona Park.... 



91 

4 

82 



Inihislnal liuilding, Male Department, of the New \nrk 

Catholic Protectory . 120 

Isaac V^arian llomestead. Van Cortlandt .Vvenue 27 

lacol) Ijiill's Piano Factory 313 

l.LCol) Ruppert's Jcc Plant 304 

Jeimings' Old Homestead (Old .Sinne Jug) 37, 

lohu Lanzer's Planing and Moulding Mill, L'nionport 327 

Johnson's Tavern, West Farms 42 

Joseph Rodman Drake's Monument ..go 

lunior Flail, Fordham University 126 

Junctioiii of 'I'hird Avenue and r.oston Ro.ad ir,2 

Last of the Morris I'ret.- 51 

Le'banon Hospital, \' .\venue 13c; 

1-eggett's Lane . . , . 72 

Lincoln Hospital, 141 m1 i n ird .Avenue 137 

looking South froiij Junction of 148th Street, I bird and 

Willis .'\ venues 08 

Looking South from Jimction nf Third ,uid .Mexander .\\e- 

nues and T43d Street 98 

Lorillard Snuff Mill, Bronx Park . .17 

Lorillard Studio, Bronx Park 47 

Lydig's Mills .43 

Macedonia Hotel bi 

Macomb Mansion 101 

Madison .Avenue Bridge, at I38tb Street, Over llarU-m River, yf^ 
Main Entrance from Westchester A\enue to the New York 

Catholic Protectory 123 

Map of "Bronckxncck." Showing Patents of Lewis Morris, 

Sr., and Jesup and Ricbardson 103 

Manhanset .Apartment House, Erected by Tames F. Meehan. 23. j 

Manhattan College. New York 132 

Mausoleum of Collis P. Huntin.glon. in Wnndlawn Cemetery, 

Erected by Robert Calerson 321 

Melrose Turn Verein Building 162 

Metropolis 'I'heatre. :42d .Street and Third Avemie 337 

Alontgomery Cottage ■ -5 

Alorris Farm House 37 

Morris High School, Boston .Avemic and looih .Street 32 

Morris Park Race Track Club 1 louse 164 

Mott Haven Refornicd Church. Known as the Old .Stone 

Church. Third A\cnue. l''ormcrly Boslfin Road, and 

146th St rcet 30 

Mutual Milk and Cream Company's Depot. . 32S 

M. E. Westergren's (Inc.) Factory . . 324 

National Guard in Camp at Van Cortlandt Pai k 24 

Nazareth Branch of Seton Hospital. Spnylen Dnyvil.... 140 

New Beck Memorial Church. West Farins 4] 

New Third .Avenue Bridge 78 

New York Central I'lrid.gc at Park .Avenue. C)\er Harlem 

River 78 

\"ew York Central Railroad Tracks and .Station at 177th 

Street (Treinont .Avenue) . . 108 



f 



GENERAL ILLUSTRATIONS 



PACF 

New York Stalf National (iiianl in Camp on iliu Papule- 
Ground in Van Corllanili I'arU 22 

North New York Conyregatiunal Clinrch 112 

Nortlt Side Brewing Compan\ 301 

Old Batligate AveiUK- 1 louse 75 

Old Berrian I louse, S|uiylen 1 )uy\ il ig 

Old City Island liridgc 50 

Old Hadley House, Mo.sh,.ln 20 

Old Hunt Inn S; 

Old Kingsbridge ! 7 

Old Lady Washington Engine Company, i66tli Street, Near 

Washington Avenue 38 

Old Mill at West Farms 64 

Old Mott Haven Canal, Looking South from 144th Street... 68 

Old Mott Haven Canal, Looking Nonli tr(»ni i.^Sih Street.. 68 

Old Map of Original West h'arms 9.1 

Olin Methodist Episcopal Chiircli, Williamsliridge 112 

Old Stone Gate House, Morrisama 35 

Old Spy House. Near West Farms 43 

Old 'Ihird Avenue 3'J 

Old Wilkins' Farm liouse, Screven's Point g 

Old Williams' House, Williamsliridge 27 

(Jne Hundred and Sixty-third Street, East of Third .Ave- 
nue — To Left. Schnorer Cluli ; to Right, Eagle .\venue 

School 100 

Oppenheim's Furnishing Goods Store 355 

Patriotic Celebration at the Gouvcrneur Morris Mansion on 
the Occasion of the Reception of the Liberty Bell from 

F'aneuil Hall 34 

Pell Burying Ground 56 

Pell Mansion 57 

Perspective View of the Reformed St. Paul's Church. 141st 

Street, St. Ann's and Trinity .\venues 114 

Philanthropin Hospital. Briggs and Maple .\venues, Wil- 

liamsbridge 134 

Poe Cherry Tree 105 

Poe Cottage 76 

Police Station. Fony-tirst Precmot. Webster .Avenue and 

Mosholu Parkway 390 

Port Morris Market 32S 

Powell Farm House 7S 

Princeton Dental Parlors 387 

Prong- Florned Antelopi' ,36 

Proposed Jefiferson Club House 163 

Public School No 2, Third .Avenue Near 170th Street 304 

Public School No. 6. Locust Avenue. West Farms 39.4 

Public School No. 27, .St. Ann's Avenue. Opposite St. Mary's 

Park 30.1 

Public School No. 3;^. Jerome and Walton -Avenues 391 

Public School No. 39, Longwood -Avenue, Kelly ;ind Beck 

Streets .^92 

Public School No. 41. Elliott .Avenue and 209th Street. Wil- 

liamsbridge 392 

Residence of Dr. George .A. Strader 161 

River Park, St. Vincent's Point 128 

Rocking Stone of Bronx Park 2 

Ruined Chimney in Lord ilowe's Head(|uarters, Clason 

Point 9 

Ruins of Lord Howe's Headtpiarters. Clason Point 9 

Sacred Heart Academy 124 

Scene on Bron.x River in Bronx Park 12 

Scenes at Clason Point Inn. the Favorite -Amusement Resort. .386 

Scenes of the Seasons in the Bronx .=8 

Scene; in the Parks of the Bron.\ "^o 



VAr.t 

.scenes Huring Construction ol ilie Subway in llu- llronx, 

at I4ylh Street and Third -\\enne 106 

;->cenes on the Bronx Shore I- runt 51 

.Schieft'ehn & Company t Lahor.itory 319 

School Building 01 the New York Catholic I'roleciory 122 

Senior Hall. F'ordham Univer^iiy 126 

Second Iron Bridge at Third .A\eiuie Replaced by Xew 

Third Avenue Bridge 7S 

Seton Falls Cave 5j 

Seton Hospital, at Spuyten Duyvil 138 

Miain Battle at Van Cortlandt Park 18 

Sigmund Ullman & Company's Ink Manufactory 328 

Signature of Thomas llunt, Jr 89 

Signatures of Thomas and Elizabeth Hunt 88 

Site of Revolutionary Cave 73 

Some of the A.ttractive Spots in the Bronx ^1 

Specimen of the American Uison at the "Zoo" in T.ronx 

Park 107 

Specimens of the .AnimaK at the Bronx "Zoo" 36 

Spy Tree, Pelham Road 65 

Stenton Mansion 75 

Style of Cars for the Portchester Railroad 39(1 

Sunday School May Walk in Claremont Park 60 

St. Ann's Avenue. Opposite St. Mary's Park 100 

St. John's Hall, Fordham University 126 

St. John's German Evangelical Lutheran Church. T'ulton 

Avenue 1 11 

St. Joseph's Hospital. East 143d and I44tli Streets. Brook 

and St. -Ann s .Avenues 130 

ot. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church. Piathgate .Avenue 

Near 177th Street 112 

St. Margaret's Protestant Episcopal Church 112 

St Mary's Lyceum, 151st Street, West of Melrose Avenue, 164 

St Paul's Church, Eastchester 14 

St. Peter's Church. Westchester 1 1 

.St. Raymond's Roman Catholic Church, Westchester no 

The Black Swamp 95 

The Blue Bridge, Bronx Park so 

The Bostonian Dry Goods Store 361 

The Bronx Club House 165 

The "Campus" at Fordham University 126 

The Fordham Club House 166 

The Gorge. Bronx River, Bronx Park 26 

The Heine Monument, l6ist Street and Mott Avenue X4 

Temple Hand-in-Hand, 145th Street, East of Willis avenue, no 

The Flemlock Grove. Bronx Park 44 

"The Locusts," Hunt's Point Road 88 

The Original Building of the First Presbyterian Church of 

Tremont 212 

The Race Course at Morris Park 164 

The Schnorer Club 162 

Third Avenue Elevated Road, Opposite the Home for Incur- 
ables at 180th Street 104 

Third and Tremont Avenues — Borough ?IalI to the Right. 101 

Thirty-seventh Precinct Police Station 401 

Tremont Avenue Presbyterian Church. Washington .Avenue 

Near iTtth Street no 

Two-family Houses Erected by the .American Real Estate 

Company on Faile Street 255 

Townsend Poole Cottage 9^) 

Uncle Daniel Mapes' "Temperance House." West Farms.... 42 
Union Railway Company's Office, at i2Sth Street and 'Third 

Avenue 400 

L^rsuline .Academv at Bedford Park 132 



GENERAL ILLUSTRATIONS 



n Cortlaiult MIIIn .nul l.akf, \':m C'nrllaiult I'ark 21 

11 Cortlaiult X'aiilt 23 

:inity of Rathgatc A\oniio, North of 177th Street. Show- 
ing the New Church of St. Josejih Xeariiis CmiipK-tion. loS 

;w of Treniont in the Year 1854 212 

iceiit-llalsey } louse. Eastchesler t*! 

isliiiigton Aveiuie ami I7.iil .Street I'efore Widening. ,. . loi 

ishington Rriilge 79 



Washington Gun llnne 40 

Vyfebb Aea'lemy 40! 

Webster and Urook .\veinies, North of Melrose X'iailuct... 10- 

William 11. Morris' .Mansion. Morrisania 37 

V\'inter Scene in Crolnna Park 105 

Works of the N'.an Nest Woodworking Company 32J 

York & Swift's 1 "ndertaking Kslablishnient 373 

Young Female ^^■o(ldland Carilioii 36 

/-uorowski Mansion 83 



ADDENDA AND ERRATA 



Page 9 — The btiildmgs on Clason's Point, long known ;is 
; Christian Brothers' Academy, now bear the title of the 
ison Point Military School. 

Page g — The following interesting inscription is found on 
' walls of the Clason's Point Inn : 

IX THE YEAR 1643 
lOMAS CORNELL liOUGllT TlllS POINT OF THE 

by 
DL\NS. HIS TITLE Wa> Conlirnied Dutch Governor 

the 

is 
left" and He Settled Here. Part of Tbis Building House 

the 
by 
nstructed by Cornell. It W.i^ Ibirned Indian^ the Fii st 

the 
ar He Came. 



Page 2/ — The older wing of the Varian homestead has re- 
cently been torn down and the nilier portion modernized. While 
:'.t work the men disccnered some rare coins, most of them_ 
English, and liearing the mint marks of the seventeenth ani! 
eighteenth centunes. 

Page '=, — (hi ihi- p.ige the names of the Powell Farm Hon-'; 
and the .Stenton .Mansion should be interchanged. 

Page 79 — Ina'^nincb as Hudson was an English navig.ato: 
and a citizen of 1 ondon. his name sliould be Henry Hudson. 

Page 15.^ — Coroner Schwannecke is the son of the late Dr. 
Schwannecke, who was one of the most prominent pbysicians 
of- the Bronx. 

Page iSo — Judge Matthew P. Breen was born December 4. 
1847. and not December 4, 1845, as stated on this page. 

Page 261 — Mrs. William H. Keating is an accomplished 
musician and not her husband as erroneously stated on this page. 




CHAPTER I 



THE GLACIAL AGE 



The Glacial Man — Glacial Traces — Noted Boulders — The Indian Bath — The Indian Cemetery 



Who were the very first dwellers of this borough of ours, 
where land is rapidly becoming so valuable, and residents pour in 
so that we shall expect to see sky-scrapers being erected in place 
of the magnificent apartments that almost amaze us to look at, 
to-day? The Indians, perhaps you will say, the "painted brothers 
of our common race." No, indeed! Go far back of their time, 
centuries, even ages. Look at the whole country just after the 
immense layer of ice left it, and perchance you may find an 
answer to the question. 

The very first man that trod on these shores is styled the 
"glacial man," and he is described as in manners ruder than the 
rudest savage, and in appe.'irance closely resembling the present 
Esquimau of the north. 

In the books of science we learn that a mass of ice once 
moved slowly but surely over this district, leaving the traces that 
still exist to-day in the form of gigantic boulders and layers of 
rock that are polished uniil they fairly shine. "Looking back- 
ward through the centuries," we read, "the populous city fades 
from sight as a dissolving view, and a great sheet of ice appears. 
It is the glacial epoch, the ice age, and we are looking backward, 
not through hundreds of years only, but through thousands ot 
years. We are contemplating 'terrestrial map-making.' The 
Divine Builder is laying the foundations." 

Scattered throughout this borough evidences everywhere 
:xist that were left when the immense glacier receded towards 
the north, leaving the traces that it brought from perhaps 
thousands of miles away. The principal, the best known of these, 
las vanished from sight, blasted mto countless fragments and 
Tiost likely forming part of the foundation of scores of houses in 
;he neighborhood. This was old "Pudding Rock," that was once 
iuch a prominent landmark at the intersection of Boston Road 
md Cauldwell Avenue. 

Many are the tales recounted about this huge mass of rock. 
Rising "not unlike a pudding in a bag," it was gracefully orna- 
nented at the top by an attractive group of cedar trees, its dimen- 
sions being twenty-five feet high and thirty-five feet in diameter 
—truly a gigantic boulder in every sense of the word. The 
.ndians of old were not slow in discovering that on one side is 
)ossessed a natural fire-place, where they cooked their oysters 
md clams and held their "corn feasts." 

When that well known artery of travel, Boston Road, was 
ipened, Pudding Rock became the camping place of the Hugue- 
lots, driven from France by the persecutions there. Here they tar- 
•ied for many a day before they selected New Rochelle as the 
inal place to settle and worship according to the dictates of their 
)wn consciences. Later on, we are told, it was chosen as the 
lalf-way point to rest, when they made their w-eekly journeys on 



Sunday from their homes at New Rochelle to worship at the shrine 
of old Trinity Church at Broadway and Wall Street, New York 
City. 

Finally came the scientist, "with his big brain and his little 
lianimer," who announced that Pudding Rock was a glacial waif, 
left stranded by the mass of ice as it receded to the north, leaving 
this section "open to the tread of the mastodon." 

Another famous glacial stone is the Split Rock of Pelhani 
Bay Park, on Collins' Lane or "Split Rock Road." Cleft direct- 
ly in the middle, with a good-sized tree growing in the fissure, 
this great boulder is one of the sights of the neighborhood, and 
stands a few feet south of this historic roadway, not far from the 
city line. 

Rivalling Split Rock m historic interest is the famous Rocking 
Stone of Bronx Park, just west of the buffalo range in the south- 
erly portion of the Zoological Park. Accounts tell that this was a 
source of wonder and amazement to the Indians, who would gather 
about these various balanced rocks and hold many a medicine- 
dance in their weird and peculiar fashion. Many years ago, long 
before the Bronx Park was even thought of, this rocking stone 
stood on the extensive estate of the Lydigs, and the foreman of 
the place attempted to drag it away from the spot it had occu- 
pied for so many generations. The combined efforts of twenty- 
four oxen proved unavailing to stir it from its place, and yet 
one person, by pushing from the right direction, can easily 
cause it to rock back and forth. 

"A rock, chance poised and balanced lay. 
So that a stripling arm might sway, 
A mass no host could raise. 

"In nature's rage at random thrown. 
Yet trembling like the Druid's stone 
On its precarious base." 

Historians tell us that this Rocking Stone, which it is lucky 
the farmer could not dislodge, is entirely different in geological 
formation from the rock on which it rests. Had the glacier 
carried it but a little further south, it would now be in soft 
earth instead of on ice-polished veins of rock, and the Bron.x 
would have lost one of its most cherished curiosities. 

But to return to Pelham Bay Park. On a section of the 
same historic roadway from which the Split Rock may be seen, 
between Bartow station and City Island, rises a solitary sentinel, 
emblazoned with a bronze tablet and known as "Glover's Rock," 
in commemoration of the masterly retreat conducted by Colonel 
Glover during the Revolution, holding in check the red coats 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



under Howe and enabling Washington with his men to reach a 
point of safety. It is about opposite "Jack's Rock," one of the 
best fishing resorts in the vicinity. 

Within the hniits of picturesque Bronx Park of glacial 
curiosities, too important to be passed by without a little notice, 
there are the "glacial grooves," or indentations in the solid 
rock, showing where the mass of ice plowed its way along, 
leaving these deep furrows in its wake. In the precipitous side 
of a clifif is the "Indian Well," also styled the "Indian Bath,", 
a rocky basin perhaps used by the red men as a place to grind 
their corn, in the hollow of which some stone, in days of yore, 
was whirled around and around by the powerful mass of ice 
until it ground this deep hole. Then the outside of the cliff evi- 
dently fell forward towards the river, releasing the stone that 
had done the work, but leaving its results behind. 

A little to the south will be found the "Bear's Den," a ro- 
mantic spot where the rocks were pded perpendicularly by some 
immense force, between them being a natural cave in which a 
family of bears may have made its home and reared its 
cubs in these wild, rocky fastnesses. To the south of the 
"Bear's Den" may be seen the "Indian Burying Ground," where 
a mass of stones is standing on end in truly Druidical fashion. 
Whether this be the work of the ice or the Indians or of the 
white man, there it remains, one of the curiosities of the 
Botanical Garden. 

Now to take a glance at some of the other interesting, glacial 



freaks. There is the great boulder, styled "Black Rock," partial- 
ly imljcdded in the salt marshes to the south of the Westchester 
Turnpike, not far from Pugsley's Causeway. I have been told 
that this is a meteorite, but at any rate there it lies, probably 
deeply sunken in the ground, almost within sight of the great 
stone "Watson Mansion." the home of the Westchester Golf 
Club. 

Overlooking the new Jerome Park Reservoir, just in front of 
the engineer's office, stands another immense rock, fortu 
nately on the city's property and so likely to be preserved. 
If we pass to the southwest, just outside the reservoir's 
domains, we shall come upon a flat surface of rock, plainly bear- 
ing the marks of the passing of the glaciers in centuries gone by. 
Plainly indented here are two depressions, the exact size and 
shape of human feet. If we can imagine that some "glacial man" 
stood here when the rock was yet plastic, he must have stood 
with his toes turned far out, almost too far to have rendered it 
possible. A photograph of this freak of nature would indeed be 
difficult, unless the camera were pointed directly downwards. 

There are many other boulders that have as yet withstood 
the advancing march of civilization, such as the one on top 
of the ridge overlooking Jerome Avenue, and the great rock 
near the southerly limit of Clareniont Park. A large boulder 
stands near the corner of the Southern Boulevard and Home 
Street, but it will soon yield to the "advancing tide that flows 
not from the waters of the Sound but from New York City." 




Rocking Stone of Bronx Part 



CHAPTER II 



THE INDIANS OF THE BRONX 



Hendrick Hudson's Experience — Indian Names — Indian Villages — Indian Deeds 



The thirteenth day of September, 1609, says a writer, marked 
the point of division between the prehistoric and the historic pe- 
riods of our district. It will be remembered that that great 
structure of the future, tlie Hudson Memorial Bridge, that is 
to span Spuyten Duyvil Creek at its confluence with the Hudson 
River and connect the Boulevard Lafayette with the beautiful Spuy- 
ten Duyvil Parkway, is located almost at the exact spot where 
the "Half Moon" came to anchor and was met by the innumerable 
canoes of the dusky race, who came out from their villages and 
hiding places to witness the wonderful flying bird with white 
wings that had come from such a far distant country. Earlier 
than that date all is uncertainty, almost ignorance. Afterwards 
we know something, but far too little, of the many events that 
make up the history of our borough. 

Whence came these red men that once inhabitated our dis- 
trict and whose traces we behold even to-day? Of the Indians' 
own history they seemed strangely ignorant. If we ignore the 
"indigenous" theory, we may believe that possibly they strayed 
from the Orient to this country by means of Behring Strait, or 
were brought in ships that had been wrecked on these shores. 
Japanese vessels that have not infrequently been cast on our 
northwestern shores and the islands in tlie Pacific as well as 
the Atlantic Oceans may have been the means of bringing these 
early dwellers to our region. 

Occupying our entire .\tlantic seaboard was one great tribe 
— the Algonquins. This was divided into many subdivisions, 
speaking many different tongues. Occupying the large portion 
along the sea coast were the Siwanoys. or .Sewanoes. In the 
interior the Mohicans or Mohegans seemed to have held sway. 
As to the opinion of an early Dutch settler in regard to the 
Indians, it was as follows : "They call themselves Manettas ; they 
are the devil himself!" Probably he had reference to the tribe 
inhabiting Manhattan Island, which is said to have overflowed 
to the lower part of Bron.x Borough. 

An e.xact allotment of the territory occupied by each branch 
of the great Algonquin tribe might be given up as hopeless; their 
subdivisions and overlappings would puzzle even a Philadelphia 
lawyer. Oysters were their favorite food, as the shell beds bear 
distinct evidence. One on City Island may especially be men- 
tioned, while on Pelham Neck once existed two villages, one on 
the extreme point and another further on the mainland, nearer 
tlie Eastern Boulevard. I have in my collection two curiosities 
that were dug up from here. One is a highly polished "banner- 
stone" and the other a portion of an Indian's skull, exhumed 
from the extensive burying-ground tliey once had here. 

.'\n early traveler in this borough tells us that "the salvages 
are the most salvage of any I ever saw," If we were more exact. 



we should refer to these red men as "Amerindians," as this title 
was adopted not long ago by the Bureau of Ethnology. 

"And still the lofty hills abide 

Where sped their moccasined feet. 

Still flows and ebbs the river's tide 

Where skimmed their birch bark fleet. 

"But from the hills and river's shore 

Their dusky race has fled. 
The pale-face thoughtlessly treads o'er 

The places of their dead." 

Go where you will, you will find the old Indian names still 
in use. As we have seen, Muscoota was their name for the Har- 
lem River — perhaps on account of the numljer of "mosquitos" 
they found there, as the name signified "the river of the grass 
lands." The River Bionx they termed "Aquahung," while the 
Hudson was in their language "Shatemuck." Mill Brook, whose 
waters once flowed, clear and crystal, through the Webster and 
Brook Avenues valley, was known by them as "Acrahung" and 
Spuyten Duyvil Creek "Papirinamen." This gave rise to the 
"Island of Papirinamen," lying to the north of old King's Bridge 
and east of Tippett's Brook, which was in truth an island when 
the tide was high. 

The northern bank at the mouth of Spuyten Duyvil Creek 
was the site of a fortified Indian village "Nipinichsan." It 
proved both a dwelling place and a defence against the savage 
"Sank-hi-can-ni (Fireworkers) living on the west side of the 
"Shatemuck" (Hudson). Some years ago Uie distinct remains 
of Indian shells were visible in the rear of the fortress, "Nipinich- 
san," of the Mohegans. 

A brief glance may be taken at the various Indian villages, 
strongholds and burying grounds that once dotted this borough. 
They dwelt on the Bronx, on the shores of Tippett's Brook and 
on the banks of the Hudson. When Hendrick Hudson came sail- 
ing up in his "Half Moon," and stopped at a point near Spuyten 
Duyvil. he tried to capture two of the Indians, who had come 
out in their canoes to meet him, but, jumping overboard, they es- 
caped. What was his dismay, on returning down the river, a 
month later, when they swarmed out in their canoes to seek re- 
venge. Hudson describes the attack in his own words as fol- 
lows : "Whereupon two canoes full of men, with their bows and 
arrows, shot at us after our Sterne, in recompense whereof we 
discharged si.x muskets, and killed two or three of them. Then 
above a hundred of them came to a point of land to shoot at us. 
There I shot a falcon at them and killed two of them; where- 
upon the rest fled into the woods. Yet they manned ofif another 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



canoe with nine or ten men, who came to meet us. So I shot 
a falcon and shot it through, and killed one of them. So they 
went their way." 

Many interesting tales are told about the Indians that once 
dwelt among the wilds of Pelham Bay Park. Indeed we may 
describe this as the paradise of the red men. It was here they as- 
sembled in hordes to fish; among the rocky fastnesses they se- 
cured an almost unlimited supply of their beloved "quckog," 
from which they fashioned their primitive "seawant" or wam- 
pum. Hence arose what is known as the Indian name for this 
section "Laaphawachking," the "Place of Stringing Beads." 

A few years ago, two men were exploring in this neighbor- 
hood for Indian relics, when suddenly their spades struck against 
the bones of a human foot. What was their delight in unearth- 
ing the complete skeleton perfect, save for the absence of the lef* 
hand, while lying in the hollow of the right arm was a sharp 
stone weapon, resembling a knife! It was suggested that the 



and Ann-hook, once chiefs of the powerful Sewanoes. "We 
examined several mounds near the water's edge." writes a his- 
torian, in speaking of Pelham Neck. "One held the remains 
of an Indian boy about twelve years old, in a sitting position, 
together with a beautiful specimen of native pottery, formed 
by the hand alone, rudely ornamented with zigzag lines, in which 
we discovered an arrow-head of quartz and the bones of a small 
animal." 

But to turn to the ancient town of Eastchester for a 
moment. All along the banks of the "Aqueanoncke," or East- 
chester Creek, were numerous Indian wigwams, while a castle 
of the Sewanoes stood on a hill at the rear of one of the best 
known residences. Traces of these were recently discernible, 
while many arrow heads and implements were fo^ind. 

In the Indian deed of K!astchester. dated December 3d. 1700, 
the following is the consideration: "Fourteen guns, twelve coats, 
twelve Indian kettles, twelve Indian axes, four adzes and four 




Indian 

skeleton was that of a criminal, whose right hand had been cut 
off before his execution, and the stone weapon with which the 
deed was done, buried with him, to take with him to the happy 
hunting grounds. 

The opinion is that the skeleton is that of a very aged 
Indian, who had lain buried for three hundred years and perhaps 
much longer. This discovery is of the greatest scientific value 
and it has been added to the many treasures of antiquity in the 
Museum of Natural History. 

"The Indians long are gone. 

With their forests wide and deep. 
And we build our homes upon 

Fields where their fathers sleep." 
One authority tells us that close to an immense rock on 
Hunter's Island are the grave? of the famous Sachems, Nimham 



Cemetery 

barrels of cider." The deed from the Indians of Westchester, 
May 27, 1692, from the Indian Sachems Maminepoe and Wampage, 
gives as its consideration: 

Two guns Two coats Two shirts Two kettles 
Two adzes One barrel of cider Six bits of money. 
Following are the disbursements upon the Indian purchase: 

£ s d 

William Barnes, One Kettle 220 

To expences to }'e Indians o 6 o 

John Hunt, One Coate o 12 o 

For Money o I 

To Indian Supper and other Expences 030 

William Richardson, Two Shirts 12 

John Ferris, senior. One Coate o 12 o 

To One day with the Indians ,. o 3 q 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



Joseph Hunt, Two Adzt^s (and 3s 8d in money) o IS o 

Samuel Palmer. One gun 100 

Thomas Baxter, One Gun I 2 

Joseph Hunt, One Barr.^1 of Cider o 3 

£846 

27" of March, 1704, Joseph Hunt was directed to go to the 
clerk of the County and see the Indian deed recorded. 

The deed conveys : 

"All that tract of land lying on the east side of Brunx's 
river beginning at the Pine Trees, compassing all the land 
uhicli we the said Maminepoe and Wampage layes claim to, 
until they come to the head of Rattle Snake brook, and froin 
thence northeast to Mr. Pell's land, so north by said Pell's 
marked tree to Brunk's River .... (only reserving to our- 
selves the privilege of making use of wliitewood trees for our 
particular use.)" 

Not a very exact description, and one that would hardly 
pass the particular attorneys of to-daiy. But it was fully in 
keeping with the old deeds and descriptions of that age where 
land, not being in the great city of New York, was not quoted 
at such a high premium as it is to-day. 

Passing south along the Sound from Pelhani Bay Park we 
find that a well fortified Indian castle stood on Screven's Point. 
Indeed one authority describes it as the original settlement of 
the Weckquaesgeeks. Here they had a permanent camp, pro- 
tected by a fort, and on this locality also was their burying- 
ground. A mortar, cut in the solid rock, shows plainly where 
they ground their corn. The name, "Castle Hill," still clings 
to this place, as a memento of the by-gone days of the savages. 
The old Bear Swamp Road, between Westchester and Bronx- 
dale, on the outskirts of Bronx Park, is so styled from the large 
swamp near which the led men had quite an extensive village. 
Of this settlement they remained in possession until 1689. 

According to another authority it was the Sewanoes that 
lived at Castle Hill and Bear Swamp. They are known as "one 
of the tribes of the seacoast, dwelling along the shore of the 
Sound frotii Norwalk to Hell Gate, while their deeds of sale 



covered parts of Morrisania, Pelhatn, Eastchester, Westchester 
and West Farms. One of the best known warriors, who lived 
about 1644, was Mayane, described as "a fierce Indian who 
alone dared to attack with bow and arrow three Christians 
armed with guns, one of whom he shot dead, and whilst engaged 
with the other was killed by the third and his head conveyed to 
Fort Amsterdam." 

An early historian thus describes the Indians of upper Bronx 
Borough : 

"They are well shaped and strong, having pitch-black and 
lank hair, as coarse as a horse's tail, broad shoulders, small 
waist, brown eyes and snow-white teeth ; they are of a sallow 
color, abstemious in food and drink. . . . Their clothing is 
most sumptuous. The women ornament themselves more than 
the men. . . . Both go for the most part bare-headed. Around 
llie neck and arms they wear bracelets of 'seawant,' and some 
around the waist. Moccasins are made of elk hides. . . . The 
men paint their faces of many colors. The women lay on a 
black spot only here and there.'' 

This same authority writes that when the Indians went 
"a-hunting bears" they dressed themselves, "as Esau did, in 
clothes that have the fl:i\or of the woods," that they might not be 
discovered by the sharp-smelling animals. Great quantities of 
arrow heads and spear heads have been dug up in the vicinity of 
Eastchester, showing it to have been a great hunting district. 

In the year 188a we are told that there were but fifteen 
civilized Indians in all Westchester County, and ten years 
later, only four. "The passing away of a race is sad. The wail 
of the red man as he looked for the last time on the graves of his 
kindred and set his face toward the sunset, touches a respon- 
sive chord in all sympathetic breasts." 

"I will go to my tent and lie down in despair; 

I will paint me with black and will sever my hair; 

I will sit on the shore where the hurricane blows, 

And reveal to the God of the tempest my woes. 

I will weep for a season on bitterness fed. 

For my kindred are gone to the mounds of the dead." 





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CHAPTER III 



THE FIRST WHITE SETTLERS 



Jonas Bfonck — Anne Hutchinson — John Throckmorton — Thomas Cornell — Dr. Van Der Donck 



"I hear the tread of pioneers, 

Of nations yet to be; 

The first low wash of waves, where soon 

Shall roll a human sea. 

"The rndimcnts of empire here 
Are plastic yet and warm ; 
The chaos of a mighty world 
Is rounding into form." 

How many of those Avho admire the many glories of the 
Bron.x River, its romantic gorge near the Lorillard Mansion and 
its broad artificial lake* above West Farms, where hundreds and 
even thousands glide in row-boats in summer or in autumn, 
enjoying the rich coloring of the foliage on either side, ever stop 
to think that this little river was named after one Jonas Bronck, 
who, in 1639, settled near its mouth, erecting his house there, 
the traces of which have entirely disappeared? As early as 
1628, the white population of Manhattan Island was given as 
two hundred and seventy ! What a wonderful difference from 
to-day! Two years earlier, in 1626, the whole of Manhattan 
Island was purchased from the Indians "for the value of sixty 
guilders," or twenty-four dollars ! As Frank Moss expresses 
it, they were buying "a pig in a poke." They knew but little of 
the vastness and extent of what they were getting. Hut it 
turned out to be a most fortunate and lucky "pig!" 

As we have said, the first settler of Bronx Borough ap- 
peared in the year 1639. At that time the ship "Fire of Troy" 
arrived at New Amsterdam in July, bearing Bronck, his family, 
farmers, servants and cattle. Soon afterwards he bought from 
two Indian sachems, Ranaqua and Taekamuck, some five hun- 
dred acres, which became known as "Bronxland," and were 
described as "lying betv cen the great kill" (Harlem River) and 
the Aquahung, afterwards known as the "Bronx." In this way 
we easily see the derivation of the name Bronx (Bronck's) 
River. The "Fire of Troy" set sail from Hoorn in Holland. 
We learn that while Jonas Bronck's last residence was in 
Amsterdam, where he married his wife, Antonia Slagboom, he 
was originally of Swedi.sh descent, and that great and wondrous 
tales had come to him of the marvelous fertility of the strange 
country beyond the seas. 

The New York Colonial Documents tell that he built for 
himself on his new possessions a stone house with a roof of 
tiles — evidently as a safeguard against the flaming arrows of the 
Indians — and two barracks, a barn and tobacco house. On an 
old map of "Bronxland" filed in the office of the Secretary of 
State at Albany, it would appear that Bronck's house, as clearly 
as this old tracing indicates, was not far from the mouth of the 
Bronx River, perhaps close to the present Harlem River station 



of the branch road of the New York, New Haven & Hartford 
Railroad. Bronck may have imported bricks from Holland with 
which to build his home m the Westchester wilderness, as the 
Dutch word for stone — steen — is, always ambiguous unless accom- 
panied by some words of description. Two of Bronck's friends 
who came over with him in the "Fire of Tray," leased part of 
his land for cultivation in order to raise tobacco and maize, and 
to reimburse him for their passage money out of the products. 

In Bronck's library in his home at Morrisania, which was 
called "Emmaus," were found a number of Danish and Latin 
works, together with several law, history and divinity books. 
In the year 1642 Jonas Bronck's house was chosen as the place 
for the signing of the treaty of peace with the Indians, which 
unfortunately did not last long, and in the following year he 
died, his estate being administered by his friend across the river 
at Harlem. One of those who made up the inventory was the 
Dutch minister at New Amsterdam, Everardus Bogardus, the 
husband of the well known Anneke Jans. Among those present 
were his widow and his son, Peter Bronck. We find that the 
Rev. Mitchell Bronk, formerly of the Ascension Church in Mel- 
rose, was a descendant of Jonas Bronck of old. 

Returning to the invonlory. it shows quite clearly that Jonas 
Bronck was a gentleman of culture, as well as refinement and 
learning, for he is said to have used silver on his table and had 
lable-cloths and napkins and to have possessed as many as six 
linen shirts. We are told that his belongings included pictures, 
silver cups, spoons, tankards, bowls, a silver-mounted gun, fine 
bedding, satin, gros-grain suits and gloves. How fortunate are 
we when we stop to consider that the name Bronck is perpetu- 
ated for all time to come in the Bronx River as well as Bronx 
Park and the Borough of the Bronx. 

It was unfortunate that the treaty of peace signed at 
Bronck's house proved of but little avail. Back in 1626 two 
of the Weckquaesgeek Indians journeyed southward, crossing 
the Harlem River until finally they reached the "Kolck" or Col- 
lect Pond, near Canal Street, with a quantity of beaver skins 
for trading. Here they were met by servants of Governor 
Iilinuit, who not only stole the skins but murdered the older 
Indian. The younger savage, a nephew of the elder, managed to 
escape, but vowed that he would seek revenge, and when he 
came to manhood he redeemed his vow. He came one day to 
Harlem, seeking to trade some skins for "duffels," and while the 
white man with whom he was about to make the barter was 
stooping over his chest, the treacherous red man quickly raised 
an axe and killed him on the spot, escaping with his plunder 
across the Harlem into \Vestchester. 

Prompt satisfaction was demanded by Governor Kieft, but 
tlie chiefs refused to surrender the culprit, although soldiers 



8 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



were at once sent from Now Amsterdam in an unsuccessful at- 
tempt to capture him. Then it was that the short-lived treaty of 
peace which was signed at Bronck's house came to an end. The 
savages, in no manner satisfied, began committing depredations 
on all sides, until at last Governor Kieft decided upon a war, 
placing Captain John Underbill in command of the expedition. 
This intrepid Indian fighter writes as follows in his "News 
from America :" 

"Myself received an arrow through my coat sleeve, a second 
against my helmet on the forehead; so as if God in His provi- 
dence had not moved the heart of my wife to carry it along with 
me, which I was unwilling to do, I had been slain. Give me 
leave to observe from hence, let no man despise advice and 
counsel of his wife, though she be a u'oinan." 

Turning to the English settlers, we learn that one of the 
earliest as well as most important was Mrs. Anne Hutchin- 
son, who has given her name to the Hutchinson River or East- 
chester Creek, which after passing under Pelham Bridge widens 
into that noted fishing resort, Pelham Bay. The summer of 1642 
saw her advent to the vast wilderness of Pelham Bay Park, to- 
gether with her son-in law, Mr. Collins, his wife and family 
and Mrs. Hutchinson's younger cliildren. Driven from both 
Boston and Rhode Island because of her peculiar religious ideas, 
she sought the forest as a refuge. Crossing from Flushing so 
as to avoid the Dutch who did not look upon her ideas with 
favor, she had her house built upon the rising ground not far 
from the Hutchinson River and, as near as the authorities agree, 
back to the famous Split Rock. The exact spot remains unde- 
cided. 

Among her scattered neighbors she still continued to ex- 
pound her peculiar views. Among others that came to hei 
meetings was big Captain John Underbill — and rumor has it 
that he may have cared less for her teaching than for her hand- 
some self. 

"What have you done since you were here last that you 
should have left undone?" she would ask. 

Then the man, who was not afraid of the savages, would 
quail under her glance and confess his sins, the worst being 
drinking rum or dancing at a tavern with some girl. 

"Will you never become good?" she would say in despera- 
tion, and then to one of her followers: "Bring me the fool's 
cap." 

Then on the head of the daring Indian fighter would be 
placed the long, peaked cap, and he would sit in front of the 
others to do his penance. But just as soon as the cap was re- 
moved from his curly locks, he would again become the same 
roistering, good fellow. 

We may trace for a few minutes the ancestry of this re- 
markable woman who had left her home in civilization to seek 
religious freedom among the Indians of Pelham. She is said 
to have been related, collaterally, to the poet Dryden. Her bus 
band is described as a "mild, amiable and estimable man, pos- 
sessed of ac onsiderable fortune, and in high standing among his 
Puritan contemporaries," who died a short time before her pil- 
grimage to Pelham. Accompanied by her husband and children 
she left the shores of England, coming to Massachusetts Bay in 
1636. 'When she aroused the ire of the Puritans, she sought 
shelter in Rhode Island. Her husband dying in 1642, she and 
what was left of her family came to Pelham, at that time a 
primeval wilderness. 

One day an Indian appeared at the door of her little cabin. 



Anne received him cordially, feeding him on fresh bread and 
cakes and clams. 

"Where are all the men ?" he asked of her. 

"There are no men here," she declared, and, pointing to her 
oldest son, "this is the only man I have." 

"Ugh!" was the response. "Him no man; only little boy." 

The Indian went his way with a smile on his face, promis- 
ing to bring some more game the next time he came. He came 
again, all too soon, and the game was an Indian game. That 
same niglit the savages came in force, setting fire to her cabin 
and slaying the inmates, including Anne Hutchinson herself. 
Her little eight-year-old daughter was carried ofif into captivity 
by the Indians, only to be taken from them so long afterwards 
that she had almost forgotten her native language and was de- 
cidedly unwilling to leave her captors. 

It so chanced that John Underbill was in his tavern when 
be learned of the news of the massacre. Dashing his mug of 
ale from his lips he resolved to seek vengeance on the guilty 
savages, if possible. Following the Indians into Connecticut, he 
completely encircled their camp so that hardly an Indian escaped. 
Standing on the edge of the bluff, and gazing at the blood-stained 
snow, the ruins of the camp and the bodies below, he said, 
quietly : 

"I have done my best, but if we had killed a thousand more 
of the red devils, it would not have paid for a single drop of 
Anne Hutchinson's blood!'' 

Along in the fall of 1642 another early settler made his ap- 
pearance in the Borough of the Bronx. He selected Throgg's Neck 
as a dwelling place and his name was John Throckmorton. With 
others he had secured from the Dutch government a license, 
bearing date October 2, 1642, allowing him to settle within three 
Dutch, or twelve English, miles of New Amsterdam. What was 
styled a "land brief" was granted to "Jan Throckmorton," in- 
cluding "a piece of land — being a portion of Vredeland — con- 
taining as follows: Along the East River of New Netherlands, 
extending from the point half a mile, which said piece of land 
aforesaid on one side is bounded by a little river, and on! the 
other side by a great kill, which river and kill, on high water 
running, meet each other, surrounding the land." 

This locality, from the name of its original occupant, be- 
came known as "Throckmorton's Neck," soon shortened into 
"Throgg's Neck." It even appears as "Frog's Point." By way 
of explanation it may be stated that the "Little River" re- 
ferred to, is Westchester Creek, and the "Great Kill" the Sound 
or East River. 

Associated with Throckmorton was another emigrant from 
England, by name Thomas Cornell, who settled on the long 
neck of land south of Throgg's Neck, which was styled after him 
"Cornell's Neck." Below is an abstract of Governor Kieft's 
patent to Cornell, taken from the translation of the Book of 
Dutch Patents : 

"We, William Kieft, Director General, and the Council . . . 
in New Netherlands residing . . . have given and granted unto 
Tomas Coornal a certain piece of land lying on the East River, 
beginning from the Kill of Bronck's land, east south east along 
ihe river, extending about half a Dutch Mile from the River 
till a little Creek over the Valley (Marsh) which runs back 
around this land. . . . 

"Confirmed with our seal of red wax here and under- 
neath suspended. Done in the Fort Amsflerdam, in New 
Netherland, this 26lh July, A. D., 1646. 

"Willem Kieft." 




Hon. RICHARD H. MITCHELL 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



Cornell's Neck has almost lost its familiar, old name in the 
modern title of "Clason's Point," and the romantic roadway that 
leads from the old Westchester Turnpike is one of the most- 
ideally shaded and rur;d in our neighborhood. Cornell, it is 
stated, had come here along with John Throckmorton and 




Old Wilkins* Farm House. Scrtven Point 

Roger Williams. Together they had journeyed from Rhode 
Island, where they had been the most intimate friends. Both 
Throckmorton and Cornell at first settled on Throgg's Neck 
until driven away by the attacks of the hostile Indians in the 
next year. The savages "killed several persons belonging to the 
families of Mr. Throckmorton and Mr. Cornell," say the early 
reports. 

Of this Indian war Roger Williams write: "Mine eyes saw 
the flames of their town, the frights and hurries of men, women 
and children." In the words of Governor Winthrop we learn 
that "by the mediation of Mr. Williams, who was there to 
go on a Dutch ship to England, the Indians were pacified and 
peace was re-established." Thus much do we owe to the efforts 
of Roger Williams. 

When the war was over, Cornell came back again, this 
time taking up his residence on Cornell's Neck or Clason's Point. 
In 1665 he was "driven off the said land by the barbarous vio- 
lence of the Indians." The name of Willett's Point, which is 
given to this section is after a Thomas Willett, who married 




John Dolling, one of her many admirers, was forthwith "ordered 
by the court not to trouble or annoy Sarah Willett." Shortly 
afterwards we learn that her anxieties in this direction were over 
when she married Charles Bridges, Governor Stuyvesant's 
English Secretary of the Province. 

In this same connection we may say that, seven years later, 
a Colonial maid produced several letters-promissory of mar- 
riage, from a young man, and the Court ordered that he be 
"condemned to marry her." Another young man of New 
Netherland declared that instead of being obliged to wed his 
fair sweetheart "he would rather go away and live with the 
Indians"— a truly terrible threat ! 

From tradition we learn that the Willett mansion stood on 
the present Clason's Point Road, about opposite the Christian 
Brothers' Academy, but it was burned many years ago. This 
Academy is described as a large stone chateau, the most im- 
portant house on the point, and built towards the end of the 
eighteenth century by a wealthy New York merchant, Dominick 
Lynch, for his own home. From the balconies of this stately 
building may be seen a fine prospect of the Sound and the sur- 
rounding region, with Flushing Bay and College Point in the 
distance. On the extreme end of Clason's Point there stood 



Ruined Chimney in Lord Howe's Headquarters. Clason's Point 

Cornell's daughter. And right here we may mculion that one 
of the early Willetts died, leaving a widow, young, attractive and 
worth a small fortune in Bronx Borough real estate. Result — 
she had suitors too numerous to mention, so that she was obliged 
lo appeal to the courts for protection. On August nth, 1647, 




Ruins of Lord Howe's Headquarters. Clason's Point 

until recently, the ruins of an ancient farmhouse, the stones of 
which have in great part found their way into the present 
Clason's Point Inn. This old house, which even in its ruined 
state presented a most picturesque appearance, was one of the 
early Willett houses, and its immense fireplace and oval brick 
oven were one of thi? borough's most striking reminders of 
the past. Another name of this ancient structure was "Lord 
Howe's Headquarters," and I have been told that the British 
commander made it his place of residence while his men were 
in the region. 

It is interesting to note a remarkable Indian deed, conveying 
property in this vicinity and signed by the most famous sachem, 
Saringo. It is as follows: 

"The: 4: of July-1701. 

"Biet (be it) known to all home it may consarn. That I, 
SARINGO, hafe This day Sold unto Joseph Horton, saner 
(senior) A sarten Track or parsal of land Setuaten & Lyen 
within the profence of Nu Yorcke, which land beginned at the 
purch(ase) lastly purch'ed by Cornal Hacoc't. John Horton, 
Cap'tt Thall, Joseph Purdy. and all the Land wassward un- 
purch'd and so to run upwa-d to brunkess reuer (Bronx River), 
and I SARINGO do oblidge myself, my ars (heirs) or assins 
(assigns) to marcket (mark it) oute by Mark Treese as may 
aper her agan (appear here again) & This To be marcked oute 



10 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



The Sext, or Saventh Day of This entant (instant) munth 
and for the Tru Berformance I haf Sat my hand & Sale Sinedee, 
Saled and DIeaved In prants (presence) of us This been in 
order To a furder confmashon. 

"SARINGO; X 
"(and three other Indians, names illegible.)" 

Endorsed on this deed is the following : 

"I, Joseph Horton oblige mysalfe To pay one Sarengo he 
performen his part accorded to bagen (bargain) as may apen 
consarned land which he Is or . . . (illegible) ... to per- 
forme. 

"The a buv named horton Is obliged To Pay Sringo the 
ras (rest) of his . . . (illegible) ... as follas : i barrel 
of Sidar, 6 shurts, 5 galans of rum, I Cot (coat) i shepe. And 
this is to be payd at or before The furst day of Jnery nex 
in . . . (illegible) . . . The day manshshened (mentioned) 
July: 4: 17001 (so in original) : i hors, I sadal, i bridal, 2 cots, 
I calf, 2 shurds (shirts), i ancher of rum." 

Figuring most conspicuously among the first settlers of our 
borough was Dr. Adrian Van der Donck, a native of Breda in 
Holland. His land embraced the tract from Spuyten Duyvil 
Creek north to a stream styled the Amackassin, in Yonkers, and 
extending eastward to the Bronx River. It was a portion of the 
Indian Keskeskeck region, purchased from the natives by Secre- 
tary Van Thenhoven for the West India Company in 1639. 

"Appeared before me Cornelius Van Thenhoven, Secre- 
tary of the New Netherlands, Frequemeck, Rechgawac, Peckan- 
niens, owners of KEKESHICK, which they did freely convey, 
cede, &c., &c., to the behoof of the General Incorporated West 
India Company, which lies over against the flats of the Island of 
Manhates, beginning at the source of said kill, till over against 
the hill of the flat lands, to wit, by the great kill, together with 
all the rights, estate, title to them the grantees, &c., &c. 

"In testimony of which the truth of this is subscribed by 
witnesses. 

"Done 3d of August, at Fort Amsterdam, in New Nether- 
land, 

"CORNELIUS VAN DER HOYKEN, 
"DAVIDY PIETTERSEN DE VRIES, 
"In presence of me, (As witnesses.) 

"CORNELIUS VAN THENHOVEN, Secretary." 

About this time a slave averaged sixteen dollars, a horse 
fifty pounds, a pair of oxen forty pounds and a good cow 
thirty pounds, while during harvest the day's wages of a 
laborer were thirty cents. 

Dr. Van der Donck was certainly one of the most pictur- 
esque figures of our early settlement. We learn that in 1646 an 
Indian sachem, Tacharew, granted lands in Neperhaem, to one 
Adriaen Van Der Donck. But being a true Dutchman what 
he wanted was "that indispensable requisite of a Dutch farm — 
a salt meadow." This he succeeded in finding in the level 
marshes just above King's Bridge, described as "a flat with 
some convenient meadows about it," and this he at once ob- 
tained both by a further grant from Kieft and by a purchase 
from the Indians. On the ancient corn ground of the Indians 
he laid out his "Bouwerie" or farm, including a "planting 
ground," extending from what are now the Colonial Gardens in 
Van Cortlandt Park up to the heights above, and from Broad- 
way (the old Albany Post Road) to and possibly beyond Van 
Cortlandt Lake on the east. 

Van der Donck's land became known as "Colen Donck," or 



Donck's colony. The entire patroonship of Van der Donck 
afterwards became known as "De Jonkheer's Land," or "De 
Jonkheer's," signifying the estate of the young lord or jonk- 
heer. From this is easily traced the present name of the City 
of Yonkers, "On the flat just behind the present grove of 
locust trees, north of the old mill, he built his farmhouse, with 
his planting field on the plain, extending to the southerly end 
of Vault Hill." Most likely the residence that Van der 
Donck began to build before' hi^ departure for Holland in 1649 
was on that very plain, and its location was a short distance 
north of the old Van Cortlandt Mills. 

Many interesting tales are recorded about this Van der 
Donck. He wrote a : 

"BESCHRYVING 

van 

"NIEUVV-NEDERLANDT" 



Beschreven door 
ADRIAEN vander DONCK." 

Following is the translation of the entire title page: 

"Description of New Netherland, Comprising the Character, 
Situation, and Fertility of the Said Country; and also the Man- 
ners and Peculiar Qualities of the Wild Men or Natives of the 
Land. And a Separate Account of the Wonderful Character 
and Habits of the Beavers . . . Described by Adriaen Van 
der Donck, Doctor in Both Laws, Who at present is still in 
New Netherland." 

A few quotations from Van der Donck's book may prove 
of interest: 

"Buffaloes are tolerable plenty. These animals must keep 
towards the southwest, where few people go." In March, 1647, 
"the whales swam up the (Hudson) river forty (Dutch) miles, 
from which place one of them returned and stranded about 
twelve miles from the sea, near which place four others also 
stranded the same year. 

"I have been frequentl)' told by the Mohawk Indians tliat 
far in the interior pa'rts of the country there were animals, 
which were seldom seen, of the size of horses, with cloven 
hoofs, having one horn in the forehead . . . and because of 
their fleetness and strength they were seldom caught or en- 
snared. The deer are incredibly numerous in this country. Al- 
though the Indians kill many thousands throughout the year, 
and the wolves also destroy many, still the land abounds, with 
them everywhere, and their numbers appear to remain un- 
diminished." 

Van der Donck enjoyed the distinction of being the very 
first lawyer to practise in the Colony of the New World. In 
Court the judges "agreed to allow Lawyer Van der Donck 
to give advice, but forbade him to plead on the novel ground 
that there w-as no other lawyer in the colony to oppose him." 

In 1655 Van der Donck, the Patroon, died, and in that year 
occurred a serious massacre by the Indians of the residents of 
the outlying settlements, that compelled the others to seek the 
walls of Fort Amsterdam for protection. We can look back, 
"through the lenses of history," and see the early Dutch settlers, 
dressed in their quaint costumes, surrounded by the usual 
crowd of Indians, conversing with them, not in broken English, 
but in broken Dutch. "As the wood-choppers swung their 
axes, the trees came rustling, crackling, crashing, thundering 
down. The white chips flew in every direction as the beams 
were hewn !" 



CHAPTER IV 



THE SETTLEMENT OF WESTCHESTER 



Thomas Pell — His Deed of Westchester — St. Peter's Church — The Old Bowne House and Other Old Houses 



Among the early settlers who came to this region may be 
lassed Thomas Pell, after whom the beautiful Pelham Bay 
'ark takes its name. A curious fact led him to make his home 
1 what was then the remote wilderness north of the Hutchin- 
3n River. He had come from Connecticut in 1654, and after 
btaining a deed from the Indian sachems Maminepoe and 
innhoocg his first thought was to seek a site for a dwelling 
lace. He had seen fish-hawks nesting in the great oaks and 
lestnuts near Pelham Neck. Now he was a great believer in 
le fact that where this kind of bird nested, there good luck 
ould come. So he built his house, as I have been told, on the 
1st side of the Eastern Boulevard, almost in front of the pres- 
it immense Bartow Mansion, and just above the Split Rock 
oad. Another authority places the "Old Pell House" "just 
ver the brow of Prospect Hill and in full view of the Boston 
ost Road." 

It need not be mentioned that the word Pelham is made 
p of two others, Pell and ham (home.) The story runs that 
ahn Pell, the second Lord of the Manor and nephew of 
homas Pell, had been confined to his bed for years with rheu- 
latism. One day, much to his amazement, a slave came run- 
ing into his room shouting that there was a mad dog running 
lose. Rheuinatism or not. it produced a magical effect on the 
ivalid. Jumping from his bed, he displayed wonderful agility 
! climbing the stairs to escape the enraged beast and we learn 
lat the cure was permanent, although the mad dog story was 
othing but a hoax, gotten up to frighten the slave. 

But to turn to Thomas Pell's deed of Westchester: On No- 
jmber 14, 1654. Thomas Pell purchased from the Indian chief- 
lins, Maminepoe and Annhoocg and five other braves, "all thai 
act of land called Westchester, which is bounded on tlie east 
y a brook, called Cedar Tree Brook or Gravelly Brook, and .so 
uining northward as the said brook runs into the woods 
lout eight English miles, thence west to . . . Bronck's River 
I a certain bend in the said river, thence by marked trees south 
ntil it reaches the tide waters of the Sound . . . together 
ith all the islands lying before that tract." 

A few days before the execution of Pell's deed from the 
idians, on the fifth of November, 1654, we learn that English 
?ttlers had begun to put in an appearance in Westchester. An 
Id record tells us : 

"Whereas a few English are beginning a settlement at no 
reat distance from our outposts, on lands long since bought 
nd paid for, near 'Vredeland," an interdict was ordered sent 
) them by the council and director-general of New Nether- 
nd, asking them not to proceed further, and commanding them 
) leave the spot. One of the very first acts of the English 



colonists was to nail to a prominent tree the arms of the Parlia- 
ment of England. 

Soon afterwards the English dwelling there were firm in al- 
legiance to the Dutch rule, although practicing the English form 
of worship, as we find by the following entry : 

"31 December, (1656) — After dinner Cornelius Van Ruyven 
went to see their mode of worship, as they had yet no preacher. 
There I found a gathering of about fifteen men and ten or 
twelve women. Mr. Baly said the prayer, after which one 
Robert Bassett read from a printed book a sermon composed by 
an English clergyman in England. After the reading Mr. Baly 
gave out another prayer and sang a psalm, and they all sep- 
arated." 

One of the landmarks of Westchester is St. Peter's Church, 
the front portion of whose property has been unfortunately 
diminished by the widening of the street in front. The pres- 
ent building is the fourth of the series, the first having been 




St. Peter's Church, Westchester 

creeled in 1700. In that year the trustees met and resolved "to 
build a church twenty-eight feet square, with a terret on top." 
It cost the then large sum of forty pounds, and stood on the 
old "Town Green." close to the former County Court House, 
about on the site of the present Sunday School building. The 
congregation increased ; its members were ambitious, and in 
1762 they took the important step of securing from King 
George III a charter, styled: 

"The Royal Charter of St. Peter's Church, in the Bor- 
ough Town of West Chester." 

To proceed with the history of this church — the second 
edifice, much larger and more imposing, was built ninety years 
later, in 1790, at the increased cost of 336 pounds. The year 
1854 beheld a sad sight in Westchester — St. Peter's a smoking 




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HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



13 



and blackened ruin. _ Nothing daunted, however, the parishioners 
in the following year erected a new and more modern edifice, 
which was fated only to fall a second victim to the pitiless 
flames. 

The St. Peter's of to-day is of solid stone, as imposing 
without as it is beautiful within. To the landed possessions of 
the church, close to the parsonage, is added a portion of the 
"Ancient Glebe," given by the town in 1703, and otherwise 
styled the "Parsonage land," while an adjacent roadway bears 
the appropriate name of "Glebe Avenue." 

Westchester was the ancient "Vredeland" of the Dutch, 
a term signifying "Free land," or Land of Peace. Another name 
was Gostdorp, or Eastern Village, perhaps to distinguish it from 
the "West Farms," further to the westward. 

Westchester, although a portion of New York City, still re- 
tains its countrified aspect, and- a number of ancient houses are 
still to be found close to that modern means of transportation, 
the trolley car. One of these is the shingle-sided, old-fashioned 
house, once so well known as the country store of S. B. Bowne 
& Son, close to Westchester Creek. This is said to have been 
a sales-place for almost anything under the sun. Some young 
men, to annoy the storekeeper, who was a staunch old Quaker, 
once asked him if he had in stock such a thing as a pulpit. 
With great slowness of speech, the Quaker settled the question 
by saying to his assistant: "If thee will go up in the garret, 
thee will find Parson Wilkins' old pulpit behind the chimney." 

Another landmark of Westchester, once located on Main 
Street, was an ancient stone building, erected over 100 years 
ago by Captain Bowne, who brought the stones used for its 
construction in his sailing vessel from England. The old house 
is said to have been intended for a bank, but it was never used 
for that purpose. The first drug store in Westchester was 
located here. 

Under the shadow of St. Peter's spire lies the venerable 
church-yard, dating as far back as the very first settlement of the 
village and numbering amongst its interments many of West- 



chester's most illuslrious dead. One or two of the inscriptions 
may here be quoted : 

Here lyeth the body of 

WILLIAM (BAILY) QUERY, ESQ., 

H. 1718 aged 50 years B. P. O. 1727. 

Deceased, March 27th, 1702 

In memory of 

PHILIP HONEYWELL, ESQ., 

Died ... on the 8th day of September, 1813, 

In the 5.3d year of his age. 
He was an active character during the Revolu- 
tionary War. 
He lived respected, and died regretted. 
Near St. Peter's burying-ground is the Ferris graveyard, 
also known as the Pasture Hill Burying Ground, in which are 
the family vaults of Benjamin Ferris, also numerous head- 
stones to the Pell family. 

Many of the monuments and gravestones in line with the 
new grade of the avenue have been removed to other ceme- 
teries. The handsome monument to George Townsend Adee, 
who>e name appears on the "three-keyed bells" in St. Peter's 
tower, now stands in Woodlawn Cemetery, near Central Ave- 
nue, not far from the southern entrance. 

Until recently, the ancient Orthodox Quaker Meeting 
House, built in 1723, and afterwards occupied by the Hicksite 
parly, stood a short distance south of the church, while nearly 
opposite was that of the Orthodox Friends, built in 1828. 
Both within a few years have been burned to the ground and, 
as rumor goes, on the same night. Just beyond flows Indian 
Brook, on whose banks the celebrated George Fox is said to 
have addressed the first Quaker meeting ever held in America. 
On the opposite side of Westchester Road St. Boniface's 
Inn used to display this curious inscription : 

"No Really Destitute Person Need Pass This House 
Hungry." 




CHAPTER V 



EASTCHESTER 



St. Paul's Church and Churchyard— The Vincent-Halsey House— Rcid's Mill— Mill Lane 



To describe the whole of Eastchester is a difficult under- 
taking, as a portion of it lies within the Borough of the Bronx, 
while the northern part is outside of the city. The best way, 
therefore, is to go beyond the exact limits of this work, and tell 
of Old Eastchester as a whole, disregarding the northern 
t>oundary of the city. 

If any one should ask what is the inost conspicuous land- 
mark in all Eastchester, he would at once be told "St. Paul's 
Church." One glance at the massive stone tower, with the date 
of erection (1765) quaintly carved over the doorway, one look 
at the well filled graveyard, containing six thousand bodies, 
lying peacefully asleep, one of them said to be petrified, and a 
single examination of the unique interior, with its strange col- 



St. Paul's Church 

lection of relics far up in the Ijclfry, is enough to convince 
the most doubtful of its striking historic interest. 

Perhaps the ancient bell (1758), the treasured Bible, 
printed in London in 1759, and the immense Prayer Book, printed 
in London in 1715. are the greatest curiosities of all. In the 
sacred care of the big safe in the vestry room are kept these two 
latter. They have the distinction, all three of them, of having 



been buried during the war of the Revolution for safekeeping, 
dug up afterwards and restored again to the church. One thing 
about the great prayer book cannot fail to attract attention. This 
is the place where is printed, in large antique type, the prayer for 
King George. Just after the Revolution the rector, whose 
sentiments were far from being with the royal family across 
the seas, pasted a strip of paper across the King's name, writ- 
ing in its place that of George Washington. To-day these 
strips have been torn away, showing the page as originally 
printed, but the stubs are still to be seen where the patriotic 
rector showed his honor for the first American President. 








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While making a visit to these curiosities in the church 
rector, who by the way, has been in charge ever since 185^, 
told me a characteristic story of the olden time, wdien the pulpit 
was directly opposite the side door, the reverse of its present 
arrangement. In those days it was a "triple-decker," the pulpit 
proper being at the top, the reading desk below, while under- 
neath was the "dark's stall." 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



15 



It was a beautiful, warm, summer morning, the doors all 
being thrown open to admit the slightest breeze. During the 
quietest part of the service, in strolled a great dog. Slowly he 
mounted the steps of the "triple-decker," to the amazement of 
the minister and the "dark." Finally he settled himself in 
the pulpit, looking down in dignified silence upon the minister, 
dark and congregation below. Then from one of the pews 
arose a young lady, w'bo with a set expression followed the in- 
truder. 

"Do not move or attempt to touch him!" she exclaimed to 
tlie minister as she climbed the steps. "He is our dog and he will 
bite all strangers." Then grasping the collar of the dog, she 
descended the steps and led the animal out of the church. Quiet 
and coinposure having been once more restored, the interrupted 
service went on again as usual. 

In front of the old church, on the grassy lawn, may yet be 
seen a space between the row of giant locust trees that lines the 
roadside. Here once stood the original wooden building, erected 
in 1698 and torn down by piecemeal, during the Revolution, by 
the British soldiers, who were using the present stone structure 
for a hospital and who sadly needed firewood. As a result the 
ashes of the earlier edifice are in the cellar of the newer one, 
where they were thrown by the English as the easiest means 
of getting them out of the way. The locust trees of which we have 
been speaking still contain in their thick bark the deep marks 
where once were fastened the iron bands to which criminals 
were tied, years ago, to receive their punishment. 

Before the first church building was erected active endeavors 
were made to establish a place of worship in the vicinity. Ih 
1677, we read that a "house and land and forty pounds a year 
is determined upon for a minister settling in the town." while 
in l6g2 several of the inhabitants "promised to contrybute unto 
Samuel Casting, he being chosen to Read the bibell and other 
good sermin books, and so to carion the Sabbath day Exercises 
as according to our Honorable Col. Heathcut's order unto us. 
Henry fifowler promises to give one Bushell of good winter 
wheat . . . and John Pinchey five pecks of Indian corn." 

When the war was over, the solid structure of St. Paul's 
Church, which had seen far more service as a hospital than 
as a church, was utilized as a court of justice, and "that ro- 
mantic wrong-doer," Aaron Burr, then in the zenith of his powc. 
is on record as having pleaded a cause with this church as a 
forum. I have seen a legal paper, carefully framed, and signed 
by Aaron Burr and used in connection with one of these cases. 
Four years after the war the parish was organized, but it was 
not until 179S that it was re-incorporated, then taking for the 
first time the name of St. Paul. About three years ago the old 
willow tree that stood for more than 100 years near the door- 
way of the church was found to be a thing of the past. It was 
planted by Mrs. Lancaster Underbill, the wife of an early warden 
of the church. One of the first popular elections ever held in 
the United States took place on Eastchester Common, under 
the branches of th's willow. 

A well known tavern stood south of the old church, which 
in 1728 was kept by William Baker, and during the Revolution 
by Charles Guion. who was descended frotn the Huguenot 
Guion, one of the original settlers of New Rochelle. Tradition 
tells us that Washington was detained in this house by sickness 
for several days, Mrs. Guion acting as his nurse. In return for 
her kindness, on leaving, he stooped down and kissed her on the 
cheek. Her husband felt so honored that for a long time he 
would not allow her to wash the place that had been kissed. 



The Rev. Mr. Coffey tells us that "the tavern became wide- 
ly known by the exhibition in it of the petrified body, dis- 
covered in this condition on its removal from a city cemetery to 
St. Paul's churchyard directly opposite." All that now remains 
of this famous inn is the foundation wall 

On the Boston Road is situated the famous hostelry known 
for the past half century as "Odell's Tavern." The present 
building is comparatively modern, but the immense trees in 
front and the ancient, moss-grown barns are evidences of the 
early date at which the original inn was built. 

Included in the list of rectors of St. Paul's from 1700 to the 
present time, are to be found the names of the most prominent 
men then in this part of the country. We may mention a few, 
such as the Rev. Joseph Morgan, whose salary was thirty pounds 
a year ; the Rev. John Bartow, who was associated with the 
old Bartow family; the Rev. Samuel Seabury, the first Bishop 
of the Protestant Church in America, who made the long voy- 
age over to England in order to be ordained, and last, but not 
least, the Rev. William S. Coffey, who since 1852 has continu- 
ously held the rectorship. 

A brief description may be made of the ancient burying 
ground surrounding St. Paul's Church, whose walls, by the 
way, are said to bear the bullet marks made by a band 
of Americans in a brave though ineffectual attempt to dislodge a 
company of Hessians who had made a firm stand in this minia- 
ture but secure fortress. The very oldest tombstone is roughly 
inscribed 

M. V. D. 
FEB. THE 

IS 

1704. 
Another is : 

R. S. 
DEC. 14 
1704 
Again wc read : 

I. P. D. NOVE 
MBER THE FOURT 
ETH. DAY. 1724 
Still another : 

I D I D 
N . 20 
I 7 I 4 
Again we find 

MAJOR SAMUEL PELL, OB. 29. DECR 1786 
IN THE 32nd YEAR OF HIS AGE. THUS 
AFTER RETURNING VICTORIOUS. FROM THE 
FIELD OF MARS, HE. CHEERFULLY OBEYS 
THE SUMMONS FROM WHENCE THERE IS NO 

RETURN. 
Among the further inscriptions we find the names of those 
foremost in the land, Drake, Pell, Odell, Reid, Valentine, Ward 
and Hunt. There is al.so the Comfort Sands — of Sands Point, 
Long Island — family vault, and once when I was strolling in the 
old burying-ground I noticed, among the scores of other quaint 
inscriptions, the following 

"Afflictions sore, long time she bore ; 
Physicians were in vain ; 
Till God did please with death to seize ; 
And ease her from her pain." 
As has been said, the side entrance of the old churcli was 
originally the front door, and in a book of the Town Minutes 



16 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



are given the sittings and names of the pew holders. I have 
been recently told that it is planned to restore this arrange- 
ment in place of the present manner in which the pews are 
placed. 

To the south of old St. Paul's Church is a most curious 
gateway, the entrance to the ancient Halsey House, which in 
Revolutionary days was the property of the Vincents. The 
older portion, evidently the wing towards the south, with its 
sloping roof and quaint dormer windows, was undoubtedly 
the pre-revolutionary part, belonging to the Vincents. 

A striking tale is told of these Vincents during the war 
for independence. It seems that they were the village smiths in 
Revolutionary times, and were highly respected. One day an 
impatient American officer demanded that his horse be shod on 
a Sunday. The Vincents firmly refused, and the angry officer 
struck one of them to the ground with his sword. His brother, 




W^m 



Vinccnt'Halsey Hcuse. Eastchester 

Elijah Vincent, at once entered the ranks of the enemy, and as 
a result no one was a greater terror to the Americans than 
this man who might have so strongly helped the patriot cause. 

In an old issue of "Holden's Magazine" is a most exciting 
story, entitled "The Whispering Bell." It has for its foundation 
the fact that the prayerbook of St. Paul's Church, together with 
the, Bible and the bell were buried for safekeeping near one of 
the trees that make the old Halsey mansion one of the most 
picturesque and secluded nooks in our borough. 

Hunting bears, wolves and rattlesnakes were among the 
diversions of "good old Eastchester." Rattlesnake Brook, that 
fiows close by, still bears the title that recalls the early times of 
the "rattlers." The ancient forests were fairly alive with deer 
and wolves and the great quantity of arrow heads and spear 
heads that are found on all sides in this sparsely settled dis- 



trict prove that it was literally a hunting paradise for the 
dusky population, centuries ago. A friend told me, a while ago, 
that he knew of a spot where any number of arrow heads 
might be picked up merely by stooping over and getting them 
in. So with a companion he started off, picturing in his mind's 
eye a return with pockets filled to overflowing. 

They found the quarry all right — but not a single arrow 
head was there to greet them. 

"You told us that there were piles on piles of arrow heads 
in your old quarry!" they cried in despair to the owner. 

"Them sharp stones, do you mean?" came the unruffled 
reply. "Well, you're a day too late. I was just thinkin' I 
didn't want them lyin' round in the way, so yisterday I went ancf 
filled a lot o' barrels with 'em, an' dumped the whole lot in the 
river to git rid of 'em!" 

If you turn sharp to the right at Eastchester and follow 
the windings of the shady and serpentine "Mill Lane " you will 
at last come to a most desolate spot where the road abruptly 
ceases, and nothing is left but a dreary and forbidding expanse 
of salt marsh. This was originally known as Sanders' Landing, 
and here, in 1739, Thomas Shute and Joseph Stanton erected a 
mill, known afterwards as "Bartow's" and lastly as "Reid's Mill." 
In Volume H, of the Records at White Plains, pages 162 and 
166, and L.. page 42, is recorded that John Bartow sold this 
historic mill in 1790 to John Reid, father of Robert Reid, the 
last miller. 

To this old wooden structure the farmers from the whole 
country around would bring their corn to be ground. Before 
the building yielded to the fierce gales of one winter, not long 
ago, I climbed all through it, examining its ancient shingled 
sides. It is too bad that it was not preserved as a relic of the 
past, for we have far too few of these mementoes remaining. 
Even the grinding of western grain was done in its interior. 
One can imagine the bustling activity of old Mill Creek and the 
flotilla of craft that once plied on the waters, all striving to 
reach the mill. What a change there is now in this region ! Even 
the stout, hand-hewn timbers and sturdy beams at last have fallen 
a prey to the elements. "The quiet which now pervades this lo- 
cality is a commentary on the uncertainty of everything human, 
for here, if anywhere, was the promise of unfailing prosperity." 

Just opposite is a decidedly ancient building, its huge sloping 
roof bearing evidence to its great age. We may imagine fnat 
this was the miller's house, so that he might be handy and 
'ready to meet the demand of the early-rising residents. Soon 
this old house will follow the lead of the mill across the way, 
and leave the spot to its original solitude. 

Tell any one that Reid's Mill was built seven years after 
Washington w'as born, and see them rack. their brains to find out 
the date of its erection. Perhaps most of the readers of this book 
will have to turn back to the pages of history themselves, to 
ascertain the e.xact year ! 




CHAPTER VI 



KINGSBRIDGE 



Old King's Bridge— The Free Bridge— The Macomb Mansion -The "Cowboys" and "Skinners" 
—The Neutral Ground— The Bloody Well— The Tippett House— The '-Cowboys'" Oak 



We are now entering upon a most interesting historical 
locality, widely extended, both in area and time limit, and the 
best way to begin is perhaps to quote from the pages of the 
journal of a woman who made the trip lietween the cities of 




Old King's Bridge 

Boston and New York in the depths of winter, during the far 
distant Colonial year of 1704. 

To-day we think nothing of making the trip, in the easiest 
of cars in the almost incredible time of five hours. How about 
Madame. Sarah Knight, who, on horseback, took a fortnight 
to accomplish the journey? We are vexed and annoyed at a de- 
lay of a few minutes. But just listen to the Madame's experi- 
ences : 

Being compelled, on account of the bad condition of the 
roads, to travel on horseback, her returning route lay up the 
old King's Bridge Road in the upper part of Manhattan Island, 
thence across old King's Bridge itself. Here the two early roads 
branched. One of them, the Albany Post Road — erected in 
1669 and perhaps the very oldest road in this part of the country 
— extended north along the east bank of the Hudson. For many 
miles it is known as the "Old Post Road," and in other place; 
as "Broadway." -At King's Bridge the "Boston Post Road" — 
built in 1672 — branched towards the east, crossing the Bronx 
River at Williams Bridge and reaching New Rochelle by a 
winding and circuitous route. 

It was this latter highway that Madame Knight traveled. 
Part of it is in existence yet, although known by a variety of 
names. Near Kingsbridge it is styled "Boston Avenue," and 
must not be confused with the present Boston Road that was 
laid out much later, and which, crossing the Harlem Bridge, 



extends almost in a straight course nearly to New Rochelle, 
where it meets the old Boston Post Road. 

On her return, Madame Knight left New York, "with no 
little regrett. ' About five in the afternoon she reached "Spiting 
Devil, else King's Bridge, where they pay three pence for pass- 
ing over with a horse." Madame Knight also tells us that "be- 
ing come to Mr. Havens' I was very civilly received and courte- 
ously entertained. But I could get no sleep because of the 
clamor of some of the Town topers in the next Room. I set 
my candle on the chest by the bedside, and setting up, com- 
posed my resentment in the following manner: 

"I ask thy Aid, O Potent Rum, 

To charm these wrangling Topers Dum. 

Thou hast their giddy Brains possest — 

'I he man confounded w'th the Beast — ■ 

And I, poor I, can get no rest. 

Intoxicate them with thy fumes; 

O. still their Tongues till morning comes." 

"And I know not but my wishes took effect, for the dis- 
pute soon ended with tother dram, and so good night." 

Old King's Bridge itself is said to have stood just cast of 
the present structure, and to have been built in 1693. A wad- 
ing place was near by. Not to be daunted by the tolls im- 
posed on those that crossed King's Bridge, the people erected 
another, about 1759, a little below, called variously, the Free, 
the Farmer's or Dycknian's Bridge. The rates of toll for the 
King's Bridge were : 
"I Penny for each head of neat cattel. 
2 Pens for each mann or horse. 

12 Pens for each score of hoggs and sheep passing the lirige. 
g Pens for every boat, yessell or canoo that shall pass the said 
brige and cause the same to be drawne up." 
Picturesquely hidden behind a forest of its own, stands 
one of Kingsbridge's oldest hou.ses, the Macomb mansion. This 
was the old tavern of Colonial days, at whose doors the early 
travelers halted for rest and refreshment. The King's Bridge 
itself was styled the "barrier" and this old hostelry the "walch 
tower" of Revolutionary times. Although many changes have 
been made in its appearance as shown to me by the late owner, 
it is still the same old structure, built at an age when the Indian 
was the principal resident of this region, and is said to antedate 
the Van Cortlandt mansion itself. Speaking of the Indians, 
the traders used to complain that "the red men were never 
known to hurry except when Satan himself was at their heels." 
Over this old King's Bridge streamed bands of "Skinners" 



18 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



and "Cowboys." "The 'Skinners' fouglit, or rather marauded," 
says Irving, "under the American, and the 'Cowboys' under 
the British banner. In the zeal of service botli were apt to 
make blunders and confound the property of friend and foe. 
Neither of them, in the heat and hurry of a foray, had time 
to ascertain the politics of a horse or cow which they were driv- 
ing into captivity, nor when they were wringing the neck of a 
rooster did they trouble their heads whether he crowed for 
Congress or King George." 

Following the line of the old Ailiany Post Road, we find 
we are traveling through the famous Neutral Ground, the scene 
of many depredations of by-gone days. Numerous cases are 




Free Bridge. Kingsbridge 

related where the "Skinners" and "Cowboys" sulijected defense- 
less persons to the most cruel tortures, in order to compel them 
to give up their money. It seemed a favorite pastime to hang 
a man until apparently dead, then restore him to consciousness, 
repeat the experiment and finally abandon him for dead ! 

A certain peaceable Quaker, living near Kingsbridgc, was 
once visited by these miscreants, who called for his money, 
and when they had got it demanded more. The old man de- 
clared he had no more. Thereupon they dragged him out- 
side and hanged him to a tree, cut him down and repeated the 
operation a second and even a third time, at last leaving him 
almost lifeless. 

Standing in the lower part of the Neutral Ground was a 
well known tavern called the Old French Inn. It was once at- 
tacked by the "Cowboys" who received such a shower of bul- 
Itts that they fled in the greatest haste, carrying with them one 



of their number who had been wounded. While approaching 
Kingsbridge, it soon became apparent that their comrade could 
not last long. So, under the shade of an apple orchard, they 
stooped to rest, only to discover that he had died. Quietly pick- 
ing up the body again, they bore it to a well nearby, and letting 
i: slip into the dark waters, continued on in their mad flight. 

Next morning, imagine the surprise and dismay of the peo- 
ple to find the water of the well as red as blood ! From that 
time the spot has been called "The Bloody Well," and the 
strangest sights and sounds are reported to have come there- 
from. But a comparatively short time ago, the remains of a 
man's body were removed from the depths of this well, and 
since then the mysterious apparitions have ceased, and the 
well is itself again. 

To the west of the Macomb mansion is pointed out the Tip- 
pett House, solid and squarely built. After the Tippett family 
were named Tippett's Hill and Tippett's Brook, the outlet of 
Van Cortlandt Lake. They were mostly Tories, and one of 
them was arrested in 1776 by General Clinton for "practices and 
declarations inimical to American liberty." The "ear-mark" of 
George Tippett's stock, roaming through the woods, is said to 
have been "the cutting off of their ears so close that all other 
marks would be cut off by it." 

"Don't talk to me," says Felix Oldboy's grandmother. 
"Don't talk to me, Felix, for I always felt as if it was flying in the 
face of Providence to use a tea-kettle to travel with. I am out 
of all patience with steamboats and locomotives. No, I am not 
going one step out of town this summer. There's all the coun- 
try I want this side of Spuyten Duyvil Creek, and I can get 
there without a sputtering tea-kettle to drag me." 

A wildly magnificent primeval forest lines picturesque 
Riverdale Avenue as it winds its way northward from Kings- 
bridge. One of these immense trees, a gigantic white oak. said 
to be over three hundred years old. is called the "Cowboys' 
Oak." Just think, it must have been growing when Hendrick 
Hudson sailed up the Hudson and fought his battle with the 
Indians near Spuyten Duyvil Creek ! Whenever the "Cow- 
boys" were captured they were at once hurried to this place 
and strung up from the huge branches of this oak. Over thirty 
gentlemen of the Cowboy persuasion met death in this way, and 
even to-day people living in the vicinity have a strange dread 
of passing the tree after nightfall. When the moon is at the 
full, we are told that the ghostlike forms of the dead "Cow- 
boys" may be seen dangling from the mass of branches ! 




Sham BattIc,".Van Cortlandt Park 



CHAPTER VII 



SPUYTEN DUYVIL AND RIVERDALE 



Spuyten Duyvil Parkway -Origin of the Name "Spuyten Duyvil "-Canal Street Cottage Old Hadley House 

— The Van Tassel House — Old Dutch House — Anecdotes 



Situated at tlie southwestern corner of Spuyten Duyvil 
Heights near the western end of Spuyten Duyvil Parkway, 
was an American battery, erected in 1776. It commanded a 
fine view of the Hudson as well as of the "Cock Hill Fort" 
on Inwood Heights, on the other side of the creek. To the 
northeast stands the solid stone Berrian farmhouse, one of the 
very oldest landmarks in the neighborhood. Tippett's Hill and 
P.errian's Neck are other names for this same elevation. Close 
by were three American forts, built in I'/fi and occupied by the 




Old Bcrri.in House, Spuyten Duyvil 

British from 1776 to 1779. They were known as "British Forts 
Nos. One, Two and Three." 

Where Spuyten Duyvil Parkway crosses Riverdale Ave- 
nue, or very close to Thorn's Corners, was a "Yaeger Camp" 
from 1776 to 1781. A large, old-fashioned stone building on the 
picturesque and serpentine curve of Dash's Lane, is known by 
the name of the "Upper Cortlandt's" to distinguish it from the 
"Lower Cortlandt's," in the park below. 

Many have wondered what the derivation of the name 
"Spuyten Duyvil" really was. Some have thought it came from 
the "outpour" from the guns of the "Half Moon," or from the 
gushing waters of "Cold Spring," under Cock Hill. Others sup- 
pose it to be the same as "Spouting Devil," from strange out- 
bursts of water as the tide rushed over the cliff. The best ex- 
planation is in Irving's quaint legend of the "Doleful Disaster 
of Anthony tlie Trumpeter." Anthony Van Corlear, be it 
known, was the trumpeter and right-band man of Governor 
Stuyvesant. "As he wished to defend his beloved New Amster- 
dam, he commissioned Anthony to go forth and with the sound 
of his trumpet arouse all the yeomanry and warriors of the 
neighborhood, charging them to take up arms and come down to 
Manhattan. 



"On reaching the brink of the creek, he swore he would 
swim across 'en spuyt den duyvil' (in spite of the devil.) Find- 
ing that the billows were about to overwhelm him, he blew a 
final blast, and sank to rise no more." Irving further says that 
bis restless ghost for years has haunted the neighborhood, and 
that his trumpet is often heard on a stormy night. 

Snugly nestling among the woodland fastnesses of River- 
dale, and within a stone's throw of the Hudson River, stands 
one of the Bron.x's quaintest cottages, with a real history attached 
to it. Many, many years ago, when an actual waterway existed 
in Canal Street, New York City, there stood fronting on this 
thoroughfare a small cottage. Then began its journeyings. On 
a canal boat it was carried to the Hudson, and so up to River- 
dale, where it "debarked" and was placed in its present position. 
.A sort of a platform is built over the tracks of the New York 
Central Railroad, and from this vantage point can be seen an 
almost incredibly long stretch of river. On a clear day I was 
told that the range extended from Jersey City on the south to 
the gray walls of Sing Sing Prison on the north. By*«pecial 
invitation I visited the interior of this cottage, and. much to 
my surprise, found it to be one of the most luxuriously fur- 
nished homes I ever saw. Even in the midst of the advance of 
our modern civilization, this tiny abode has stood distant and 
luitouched, guarded by Riverdale's magnificent forest trees as 
silent sentinels. 

One has but to descend the almost precipitous hills of River- 
dale Lane to the old Albany Post Road, and turn to the south, 
to come upon the Old Hadley House, one of the curiosities of 
the borough and almost facing the level stretch of "Van Cort- 
landt Park's Parade Ground. As to its date, no one seems to 
know when it was built, except that it is stated to have ante- 
dated the old Van Cortlandt mansion. 

"Isn't the owner proud of possessing such a fine old build- 
ing?" I once asked the residents. "No, indeed," they replied. 
"He has often said he wished it was destroyed and out of the 
way." 

In the second story of the stone portion, which is the older 
part, is something novel in the way of sleeping apartments, the 
"old stone room," which is nothing more than a cellar-room 
upstairs, with the walls neatly whitewashed. Here it was that 
the slaves slept in days of yore. They showed us where once 
was a little staircase for the slaves to use. so that they might 
go up and down without disturbing their betters. Now both 
stairs and slaves are gone, but the "Old Hadley House" still re- 
mains as it was a century and a half ago 

On the -Mbany Post Road, near the southwestern corner of 
Van Cortlandt Park, stands the Thirteenth Mile-Post, slanting 



20 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and seemingly about to fall. 
Another old house standing just below the "Old Hadley House," 
was built by the Va.. Cortlandts as a residence for their miller. 
"My father only moved twice," said an old man to me. one 
day. "Once when he set up housekeeping in this new house the 
Van Cortlandts built for him. and once when he was carried out 
after his death. Now how old do you think I am?" he asked. 




Old Hadley House, Mosholu 

with a twinkle in his eye. "Well, sir, if I live to see the thir- 
tieth of next February. I'll be eighty-five years old! Fooled you 
all, didn't I?" he added. Then it suddenly dawned upon us 
that there was no thirtieth of February, and we left without 
finding out how old he really was. 

Also on the Old Albany Post Road, just norlh of Rivcrdale 
Lane, is another old homestead that shows evidence of its Dutch 
architecture. Looking down from the height and viewing the 
little abode outlined on all sides by grassy lawns and tall trees, 
we can feel that we are transported bodily back to the times 
of the sturdy Hollanders, when Indians were hiding behind 
every rock. 

A short distance above, the Old Albany Post Road is merged 



into Yonkers Broadway, and near the top of the hill the Yonkers 
line is reached and Bronx Borough ceases. 

Returning towards Kingsbridge we come upon the residence 
of the late Dr. Varian, one of the best known residents. Here 
he had lived for nearly half a century, and would tell me many 
interesting tales about the past. In the early days of his prac- 
tice he would ride to patients from Dobbs' Ferry on the north 
lo I loth Street on the south, often crossing the Hudson River 
in a small boat to visit people in New Jersey. During the Civil 
War he was a strong Abolitionist, and in the days of the riots 
it was his custom to make his professional calls armed not only 
with a large revolver, but with a double-barrelled shotgun as 
well. 

One of the finest collections extant of Revolutionary relics 
is to be found at the house of Dr. John Parsons, at Kingsbridge. 
Besides the interesting muskets, many of which have seen actual 
service, is a case of pistols, claimed to be those used by Hamilton 
and Burr, The one used by the latter is designated by a mark. 
Originally they were of the flint-lock style, but with the intro- 
duction of percussion caps they were accordingly changed. The 
descent through the line of successive owners has been distinctly 
traced. It reads as follows: 

"These pistols were the property of General Oliver De 
Lancey, the grandfather-in-law of James Fenimore Cooper, and 
were used in the duel in which Aaron Burr killed General 
Hamilton. The one with the tag attached is the one used by 
Burr on that occasion. The pistols came down through the 
De Lancey family to T. J. De Lancey, Esq., and after his death 
were given by his widow to Dr. 'Wm. A. Varian of Kingsbridge. 
In i8q4 Dr. Varian presented them to Dr. John Parsons of 
Kingsbridge. New York City." 

My mother has often told me that Hamilton's eldest son, 
then an old man, used to visit at my grandfather's country place 
in Morrisania in 1862. As the afternoon advanced the old gentle- 
man would grow sleepy, and, coming to my mother, would say, 
plaintively : 

"Read to me a little, my dear. I feel just like going to 
sleep." 




Christ Episcopal Church. Rivcrdale and Alamo A'venucs 



CHAPTER VIII 



VAN CORTLANDT PARK 



The Van Cortlandt Mansion — The Death of Captain Rowe — The Rhinelander Sugar House Window — The 

Van Cortlandt Mills The Old Burying Ground — Van Cortlandt Lake — The Van Cortlandt 

Vault — Vault Hill — The Indian Field — Redoubts Overlooking Kingsbridge 



Who has not heard of the famous stone mansion in the 
lower part of the great Van Cortlandt Park, once an old Dutch 
farmhouse, and now guarded in the safe custody of the Colonial 
Dames? One visit to it, one examination of its many treasures 
is sufficient to carry one back to the old times "when history 
was warm in the making." 

The numerals engraved on the stone front distinctly show 
the time of erection, ■ 1748. A still earlier structure stood a 
little to the southeast, nearer the lake, but this was taken down 
in 1825. The records show that it was built in 1700. 

For a brief time during the war of the Revolution, Wash- 
ington occupied this house, and in 1783 lodged there ni one of 
the second story rooms the night before his triumphal entry into 
the City of New York at the close of the war. A whole chapter 
might be devoted to the quaint and interesting curiosities con- 
tained in this old house. It has been furnished as one might 
expect it to have been during the old historic days, with high 
canopied bedsteads and innumerable other relics of olden times ; 
and in the kitchen may still be seen the old fashioned utensils of 
Colonial days, while the cavernous fireplace, with its great glow- 
ing log form a most picturesque background. 

In the pages of history we turn to the following exciting 
incident in which the Van Cortlandt mansion plays an important 
part : 

"On Wild Boar Hill the American water guard were wont 
to watch, to intercept traders on their way down the Hudson to 
the British lines. A company of light dragoons is approaching. 
Among them rides Captain Rowe, of the Yaegers. This is his 
last tour. He is engaged to an accomplished Harlem lady, Miss 
Elizabeth Fowler, but alas for him and the lady he loves ! Sud- 
denly there is a sharp report and the captain, reeling in his 
saddle, falls. With disciplined severity the Yaegers make cap- 
tives of the water guard, but the captain has received a mortal 
wound. 'J'hey dispatch a messenger to bear to the affianced 
lady the sad news of her lover's severe wound. Tenderly the 
pale captain is conveyed down the private road in Tippett's 
Valley. They halt to obtain a drink of water at the farmhouse 
of Frederick Post, a few rods northwest of the present stone 
bridge which arches the railroad near the Lincoln Park station. 
Then they resume their sad, southward way. When they arrive 
at the Van Cortlandt mansion, the dying officer faintly speaks 
a few words to his broken-hearted bride-elect, is exhausted by 
the effort, and lies in her arms, a bleeding corpse." 

"O that some sweet bird of the South 
Might build her nest in the cannon's mouth ; 
Till the only sound from its rusty throat 
Would be a wren's or a blue bird's note." 



Just to the northeast of the old mansion is a portion of the 
ancient "Rhinelander Sugar House," once the dreaded down- 
town prison of so many multitudes of patriots. As it stands 
to-day it is one of the tiniest and most picturesque of our ancient 
relics, yet, strange to say, one of the most recently erected. 

It is nothing more than a small, grated window, its solid 
iron bars securely anchored in a stone casement, and the whole 
surrounded by an irregular mass of stones and bricks. Yet, 
stone for stone, brick for brick, and iron for iron, it stands just 
as it stood in Revolutionary times, when hordes of American 
prisoners strove to press their faces against those self-same bars 
in their wild struggles to obtain a few breaths of pure outside 
air ! '- 

The last remaining trace of the historic Sugar House at Rose 
and Duane Streets, Manhattan, it is all that is left of the ancient 
British military prison, the rest of which was torn down in 
1892. This old window, which stood on the Rose Street side, 
was, about three years ago. reinoved to the Bronx and re-erected 
near the \'an Cortlandt mansion. 




Van Cortlandt Mills and Lake. Van Cortlandt Park 

Following down the picturesque lane, lined on either side 
by tall trees, we come to the site of the two old Van Cortlandt 
Mills. One of these, built in 1700, had "ground corn for both 
the friends and foes of American independence." The other, 
erected about the same time, also did efficient service for both 
hostile parties, being used as a saw mill, to cut up the logs 
used for building tents, roads and bridges. 

Closely adjoining the first Van Cortlandt house built in 1700 
and destroyed in 1825, as we have seen, was an old burying 
ground. It is due north of the very lower portion of Van 
Cortlandt Lake. Small though it be, it is the last resting place 
of many of our best known families, including the prominent 






NEW YORK STATE NATIONAL GUARD IN CAMP ON THE PARADE GROUND IN VAN CORTLANDT PARK 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



23 



Berrians. To the east is a second collection of tombstones, 
where the negro slaves were interred. It is said that negroes 
were always interred in "the back yard of a cemetery." The 
cutting through of the Putnam Branch of the New York Central 
Railroad has sadly interfered with this little graveyard, as have 
also other subsequent improvements. 

While speaking of Van Cortlandt Lake, it seems a pity to 
inform the young people, who "glide upon its smooth surface 
in summer, gathering white water lilies in their hands, and in 
winter gathering red roses on their cheeks," that it is not a real 
lake at all, but was made in 1700 by throwing a little embank- 
ment across Tippett's Brook. 

To the northeast of the Van Cortlandt mansion, on the 
heights known as Vault Hill, is situated the old Van Cortlandt 
vault, for generations the burial place of the Van Cortlandt 
family. In its dark recesses the records of New York City — 
Augustus Van Cortlandt was then City Clerk — lay in safety for 
a while, even escaping the ever-watchful eyes of the British 



colonel of the Legion Dragoons, had a' very narrow escape dur- 
ing the pursuit. While striking at an Indian he lost his bal- 
ance, thus falling from his charger. Fortunately for him, his 
dusky foe had just discharged his musket and had no bayonet. 
About forty were either killed or desperately wounded, including 
the famous chieftain Nimham and his son. 

The old chief, in calling to his people to fly, said "that he 
was old and would die there." He had wounded Simcoe, one 
of the British commanders, but was killed by Wright, his orderly 
Hussar. The bodies of perhaps forty of the Indians were buried 
in this "Indian Field of Van Cortlandt Park," a level plateau 
on the old Mile Square Road. 

" The time is now at hand which must probably determine 
whether Americans are to be freemen or slaves," is a memorable 
sentence in an order delivered to the Americans at Kingsbridge 
in 1776. In June of that year Washington had inspected with 
great thoroughness the region around Kingsbridge. Finding 
seven places wsW fitted for defence, he promptly gave orders, 




Van Cortlandt Vault 



spies. Five years later, George Washington himself stood on 
the sloping terraces of Vault Hill, superintending the lighting of 
the many lines of camp fires that so successfully deceived the 
British, while the rest of his army was speeding towards York- 
town in order to join General Lafayette. 

Go up to the northeast corner of Van Cortlandt Park's 
eleven hundred acres. There you will find a plot of land styled 
the "Indian Field of Van Cortlandt Park." Here lie the re- 
mains of a band of Stockbridge Indians, who died fighting on 
the side of the Colonists. We read that the Indians fought 
most bravely, pulling several of the redcoats from tlieir horses. 
But, overwhelmed by superior numbers, they were obliged to 
flee over Tippett's Brook and down through the Van Cortlandt 
woods to the heights beyond, where quite a number found re- 
fuge behind the trees and rocks. Tarlcton, the lieutenant- 



as he "esteemed it a pass of the utmost importance in order to 
keep open communication with the country." Two Pennsylvania 
regiments were at work at fortifying, while bodies of militia 
were far from idle as fast as they arrived. In July, the British 
ships of war, "Rose" and "Phenix," came sailing up the Hudson, 
entirely unaware of the batteries that had just been placed on 
Cock's Hill and Tippett's Hill. When they anchored off Spuyten 
Duyvil, a number of guns opened fire, and as we are told "did 
great execution." In every circle great anxiety was felt lest 
Kingsbridge should fall into the hands of the British. 

A bird's-eye view may be taken of the fortresses that were 
erected overlooking the valley of Kingsbridge, in addition to the 
ones on Tippett's and Cock's Hills. Before their completion the 
English had succeeded in uniting their forces from the north 
with thuse that already held Manhattan Island. 



24 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



Following is a list and location of the forts: 

No. I — On the grounds of the late Peter Strang, overlook- 
ing the Hudson and Spuyten Duyvil Creek. No traces of this 
are now visible. 

No. 2 — A circular redoubt on Spuyten Duyvil Hill, the walls 
of which are yet to be seen. It was the American Fort Swart- 
wout and was erroneously called Fort Independence. 

No. 3 — On the easterly crest of Spuyten Duyvil Hill, styled 
Fort Prince Charles by the British. 

No. 4 — The American Fort Independence, which was per- 
haps the most important of all. Its location was where the house 
of William O. Giles now stands, on the former farm of General 
Richard Montgomery. We find that several si.x-pounders were 
dug up on its site. This fort had a very commanding position 



between the Albany Post Road and the Boston Post Road. Near 
by is Fort Independence Avenue. 

No. 5 — .\ square redoubt north of the Claflin stables, on 
the old Tetard farm, the walls of which are yet standing. 

No. t'l — A short distance west of the present road to High- 
bridge, its site being occupied by a house once owned by John 
B. Haskin. 

No. 7 — Of this no trace remains. All that is known is that 
it stood on the Cammann estate. 

No. 8 — On land now occupied by Gustav Schwab's house, 
and extending over to the property of H. W. T. Mali. 

The King's Battery is yet preserved, on the grounds of N. P. 
Bailey, from whom Bailey Avenue derives its name. 




National Guard in Camp in Van Cortlandt Park 



I 




-iC.Koevoets. N Y 



'^^^^^'^ r^bi^fij AA^^ 



CHAPTER IX 



GENERAL MONTGOMERY 



His Farm at Kingsbridge — His Will — Lady Ranelagh, His Sister — Rev. John Peter Tetard — The Old Archway- 



While in the last few pages we have strayed a little from the 
strict limits of Van Cortlandt Park, we may now turn to one 
of the most interesting characters of early Kingsbridge — General 
Richard Montgomery. Those were certainly strange days, when 
we learn that the Grand Jury brought a presentment against a 
young couple "for sitting together on the Lord's Day under an 
apple tree." 

In 1772 a captain in the British army was sent over to 
America. Later he resigned his post, and, purchasmg a large 
tract of land on Kingsbridge Heights, devoted himself to farm- 
ing, his favorite pursuit. He was Richard Montgomery, de- 
stined to rise in the American army to the rank of General. 

Shortly afterwards something happened to him, as clippings 
from the following letters will show. Perhaps it was not en- 
tirely unconnected with w-arfare, but let the reader judge for 
hmiself : 

Kingsbridge, May 20. 1772. 

Sir — 1 have ventured at last to request that you will consent 
to a union which has to me the most promising appearance of 
happiness, from the lady's uncommon merit and amiable worth. 
Nor will it be an inconsiderable addition to be favored with the 
title of son, should 1 be so fortunate as to deserve it. 

I am, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant, 

RICHARD MONTGOMERY. 

The coveted answer ran as follows : 

Claremont, 21st June, 1773. 

Sir — Since Mrs. Livingston and I heard of your intentions, 
we have made such inquiries as have given a great deal of satis- 
faction. We both approve of your proposal and heartily wish 
vour union may yield you all the happiness you seem to expect. 

I remain, with due respect your most humble servant, 
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON. 

Two months later, we are glad to add, the wedding took 
place, and the happy couple found a most ideal home in their 
"King's Bridge farm." In 1775, Montgomery wrote to his wife: 

"If you can be spared, and wish to make a trip to New 
York, and wilt not stay too long, I shall be very glad to see you." 

As I write, a copy of General Montgomery's will lies on the 
table before me. After his sudden death at Quebec, it was found 
among his papers by Benedict Arnold, and carefully preserved. 
Among the items it is interesting to note the following: 

"I give to my sister. Lady Ranelagh, of the Kingdom of 
Ireland, my estate at King's Bridge, near New York." 

It also adds: 

"My dear sister's large family want all I can spare." 

At the end we find these words : 

"My brothers will accept of what alone I have in my power 
to give — my warmest wishes for their happiness." 

That Lady Ranelagh came over and lived on her brother's 



King's Bridge farm is attested by the ruins of an old house, 
still to be seen close to the Albany Post Road. Dr. John Par- 
sons, of King's Bridge, who now owns this historic site, has told 
me that he would gladly have preserved the old mansion, had 
there been anything to work upon, but, unfortunately, there 
was nothing. 

Among the witnesses to General Montgomery's will was 
the Rev. John Peter Tetard, one of his nearest neighbors and 
most intimate friends. Mr. Tetard's house stood almost oppo- 
site to General Montgomery's, on the old Boston Post Road and 



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^'ontgcmery Collage 

was built about 1776. In the neighborhood of that year h« 
opened a French boarding school, probably tlie first of its kind 
near New York City. When the Revolution broke out in all 
its fury , both Montgomery and Tetard entered the Continental 
ranks, the former as an officer and the latter as his chaplain. 

On the Tetard grounds, formerly known as Tetard's Hill, 
there once stood a most unique stone archway, variously styled 
"The Old Bakery," and "General Washington's Powder Maga- 
zine." Some have gone so far as to call it "The Dominie's 
Secret Wine Cellar." It was probably part of an old powder 
magazine used by the British in Revolutionary days, but its real 
purpose remains unknown. 

While passing this locality a short time ago, I was rather 
astonished to see an immense sign that read : 

"THIS PROPERTY FOR SALE 
APPLY TO 

RICHARD MONTGOMERY." 

My first thought, on reading these lines, was that I had been 
transported backward over a century and a quarter. Surely the 
strange coincidence in the names fully justifies this natural im- 
pression. 




o 



CHAPTER X 



THE OLD BOSTON POST ROAD, OR BOSTON AVENUE 



The "Negro Fort' 



-The Isaac Varian Farm House — The Williams' Bridge — The Old Williams' House — The 
Havens House — The][Hustace-Cash House 



This ancient higlnvay, dating from 1672, as we have seen, 
branched from the Boston Post Road at Kingsbridge, and ex- 
tended northeast over the hill, past the houses of Dominie 
Tetard and Richard Montgomery. Just beyond Montgomery's 
residence, as we have noted, stood the redoubtable Fort Inde- 
pendence, overlooking the now peaceful Spuyten Duyvil valley. 




Isaac Varian Homestead, Van Cortlandt Avenue 

Branching almost to the east, close to an old house marked 
"Betts, 1776," this ancient highway is now lost in the vast extent 
of the new Jerome Park Reservoir. After crossing the present 
Jerome Avenue, we find on the early maps that it passed to the 
northward of the "Negro Fort." There is to-day a stone struc- 
ture, about on this site, squarely and solidly built, that may have 
been the "Negro Fort" of early days. 

After crossing the old Williamsbridge Road, now being 
widened into the Mosholu Parkway, the highway passes in front 
of the Isaac Varian Homestead, almost in the shadow of the 
Williamsbridge Reservoir. With stone walls that look as if 
they would last for centuries, and bearing the appearance of a 
miniature fortress, the mam part of this house was built in 
1776, while the older wing dates from 1770. On the old maps it 
is styled "Valentine, 1776." 

I have said that it locked like a fortress; it was one. Go 
back to January, 1777, when the whole region was swarmnig 
with hostile bands. Encamped in this old, old stone mansion 
was a strong force of the redcoats. A second detachment lay 
under cover of the "Negro Fort." Carefully and stealthily a 
band of Americans was advancing from dififerent directions on 
Fort Independence. Just at this moment two British cavalrymen 
were reconnoitering along the line of the old Colonial Road ( Bos- 
ton Post Road), above Williamsbridge. Suddenly they caught 
sight of the approaching Americans. 



"The Rebels! The Rebels!" they cried, as tliey dashed 
back up the hill. The horse of one falling, the rider was prompt- 
ly made a prisoner, while the other fairly flew over the road to 
give the alarm. From every door and window of the old Varian 
Homestead poured the British, only to be joined by the fugitive^ 
from the "Negro Fort." Close behind them followed the Ameri- 
cans, chasing them along the old Boston Post Road, and never 
pausing until they were safe within the protection of the walls 
of Fort Independence. The report of this affair that readied 
General Vv'ashington and was forwarded to Congress, was that 
Fort Independence had been destroyed and its garrison cap- 
tured. Unfortunately this was too good to be true, as subse- 
i|uent accounts showed. Fort Independence, it appeared, was 
by far too hard a nut for our boys to crack. 

There is yet another tale that may be told about the old 
Isaac Varian Homestead. In 1776, lying in the fields and woods 
adjoining were about four hundred cannon, good and bad, of 
all sizes and conditions. When tlie order came to get them 
ready for service, it was found that they had been "spiked." 
Some miscreants had secretly been driving rat-tail files into their 
touch-holes and plugging their openings with big stones. 
Twenty shillings was the cost to the army for each gun to have 
the spikes removed, and at the end of two months only eighty- 
two were fit for service again. In excavating for the residence 
of William Ogden Giles, on the site of did Fort Independence, 
several Revolutionary cannon are reported to have been un- 




Old Williams' House, Willi.imsbridgc 

e;;rthcd. and while passing in front of the old Van Cortlir^dt 
mansion recently, I had pointed out to me two well rusted fieltl- 
pieces. both of which, I was told, were securely spiked. 

In descending the hill towards Williamsbridge, the semi- 
circular remains of an American redoubt, styled on the map 



2& 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



"American Fort, 1776," may yet be seen just inside the fence of 
Woodlawn Cemetery. It is said to be one of the breastworks 
thrown up by that intrepid American leader, GL-neral Heath. 
The present bridge is the fourth at the same spot, the third 
being an old fashioned covered wooden structure. 

The Boston Post Road, after going practically through the 
Williamsbridge reservoir and passing several ancient houses whh 
old-fashioned fireplaces, crossed William's Bridge itself, and after 
a short distance took a northeasterly direction, becoming lost 
in the modern "gridiron" streets of what is known as Williams- 
bridge. The old Williams house stood close by, a quaint old 
structure which has disappeared in the widening of White Plains 
Road. Near by, and once fronting on this Boston Post 
Road, is the Hustace-Cash house, standing almost in the middle 
of 22ist Street. This is one of the quaintest abodes in the bor- 
ough, with its slanting roof, the house being built partly of stone 
and partly of wood. 

Another old house is situated near the intersection of Gun 
Hill Road and White Plains Road, on the southeast corner. 
Standing at a peculiar angle with every surrounding street, it 
is sometimes erroneously styled the Williams House, and it is 
extremely hard to photograph, unless one gets around behind it 
and looks upward. 

At the corner of White Plains Road and 222(1 Street. Wil- 
liamsbridge, I believe is yet standing one of the landmarks of 
the region — the old Havens House. We may well pause to glance 
at the many relics that this old house contains. There is an 
old chair said to have been presented to an old settler by General 
Washington, and bequeathed by him to Mr. Havens. Mrs. 
Martha C. Havens, who with her daughter lives on the premises, 
is the widow of Captain William C. Havens and the adopted 
daughter of James Clinton, whose father was the first Governor 
of New York. There is a most interesting collection of shells, 
formerly belonging to De Witt Clinton, that have never been 
touched since he first arranged them. We also note a silver 
medal, presented by the City of New York to De Witt Clinton, 
inscribed : 

"Erie Canal Commenced 4th July, 1817 ; 
Completed 28th October, 1825." 

It is recorded that the box in which this medal is kept was 
made out of a portion of the "Seneca Chief," the first canal boat, 
while another prize is a handsome mahogany bedstead, in which 
Commodore Perry died. 

At 228lh Street and White Plains Road stood Washington's 
Headquarters, torn down about twenty years ago, as it was in 
the middle of the street. It was known as the "Shingled House." 
Reports tell us that the piano at Washington's Headquarters at 
Newburg was Mrs. Havens' instrument when she was a young 
lady in the Clinton family. 



The name Hustace is spelled in a great number of ways — 
Hustead, Hustis and Hustace, although Valentine's Manual of the 
Corporation of tlie Citj' of New York gives it as Hustead, we 
liave adopted the Hustace spelling. In conclusion we may state 
tliat the old Havens house never had but two owners — Augustus 
Hustace and Martha Havens. 

Originally the "Hustace-Cash" house was the residence of 
Augustus Hustace who owned all the broad acres that were 
bounded on the east by Seton's falls and the Schieffelin domain, 
on the west by the Bronx River, on the north by 229th Street 
and on the south by 216th Street, the latter Deing the northerly 
boundary of the Williams farm, and which comprised the greater 
part of the original village of Wakefield. Upon the sale of his 
.\ugustus Hustace, who owned all the broad acres that were 
bounded on the east by Seton's Falls and the Schieffelin domain, 
the most elevated portion on what is now 232d Street, and at 
his death it was purchased by Francis Crawford, the well known 
Prohibitionist. The original farm house is still contained in the 
building which was remodeled by the Squire's son, William A., 
who lately sold it to Mr. Crawford by whom it was still further 
improved as at present. Through the old Hustace acres the 
Kingsbridge Road wound in a devious way, crossing tlie present 
White Plains Avenue in several places. 

Passing further to the north, we learn of several immense 
trees, obliterated by the widening and straightening of White 
Plains Road. Where this road joins Demilt> Avenue, was to be 
seen, in the centre of the roadway on the eastern side a magnifi- 
cent black walnut tree, surrounded by a stone wall. The inter- 
esting story of this tree follows : 

"In the early days when what is now styled White Plains 
Road was then known as the Kingsbridge Road to Bedford, 
the county seat, the owner of the farm, who by the way, was 
a relative of the Paulding who captured Major Andre, planted 
a small black walnut tree for each of the thirteen colonies. They 
all thrived, but as this section developed, they had to give way 
to the march of progress. The widening of the roadway has 
rendered necessary the removing of the last three of the thir- 
teen original trees. When the saws were put to work, the 
trees measured three feet eight inches at the butt, and they were 
found to be perfectly sound, while the rings in the wood indi- 
cated the truth regarding the antiquity of the trees." 

In its ancient days the Old White Plains Road is said to 
have crossed the present one, between Gun Hill Road and the 
city line, no less than seven times. 

Such seems the weight of authority about the most im- 
portant landmarks in the northern portion of Williamsbridge. 
-■Kbout 225th Street the Old Boston Post Road branched towards 
Eastchester, not joining the present Boston Road until at a point 
near New Rochelle. 



^^ 



CHAPTER XI 



BOSTON ROAD 



Name of Harlaem— The Ferry and Rates of Ferriage— The Three Harlem Bridges and Rates of Toll— Boston 

Road — The Gouverneur Morris Tree— The Old School House— Mill Brook— Charlotte Temple's Home — 

Extracts from Washington's Diary -Madam Knight's Experiences 



By this term we mean the present Third Avenue, a con- 
tinuation of the early "Eastern Post Road." It crossed the 
Harlem River near the Harlem Bridge, proceeding northeasterly 
to New Rochelle, where it joined the early Post Road previously 
mentioned. 

When the original Dutch settlers began to tlock to the hills 
and valleys of "Harlaem," the first thing they did was to look 
around for a suitable name. Immediately a great dissension 



peared on the steam railroad cars: "New York and Harlaem 
Railroad." 

In the year 1666, when the sleepy residents of Harlaem were 
comfortably settled and enjoying life around their immense fire- 
places, with long-stemmed pipes in their mouths, and all accus- 
tomed to going to bed at four o'clock every afternoon, someone 
made the startling announcement that beyond the broad river 
that flowed past their doors was to be found the most beautiful 




Boston Road at Spencer's Corners, near Williamsbridge 



arose, eacli stout burgher insisting that the spot should be called 
after his own native town in old Holland. Finally they decided 
upon a most happy expedient; they resolved to style the place 
"Harlaem," for the simple reason that none of them had come 
from that village, and as a result, no one could object. Such, 
we learn, is the origin of the name which for a long time ap- 



farming land imaginable, just the site for their favorite 
"boueries." This was enough. For once they hastily rose to 
the occasion. They must have a ferry at once to carry them 
across to those fair shores where their "boueries" were to be. 

The site selected was about 126th Street and the East River, 
where the old "Harlaem Road" terminated. The peculiarly slant- 



30 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



uig and irregular boundary lines, which even to-day are found 
in this section of Harlem and which are so at variance with all 
existing streets and avenues, and form such a bclc-iioir alike to 
title-searchers and surveyors, are lasting evidences of the former 
existence of this early highway. 

A ferry meant a ferryman, and in 1667 Johannes Verveelen 
was duly installed, with a gigantic negro, called Matthys, as his 
assistant. He was allowed to furnish food, drink and lodgings 
to the weary wayfarers he ferried across, but not a drop to the 
Indians. 

Here are some of the curious rales that he charged for 
carrying travelers from Ilarlaem to the Bronx shore: 

"For every passenger, 2 pence silver or six pence wampum ; 
for every ox or cow that shall be brought into his ferry-boat, 
8 pence or 24 stivers ; and cattle under a year old, 6 pence or 18 
stivers wampum; all cattle that are swum over pay but J4 price. 

"He is to take for diet, every man for his meal, 8 pence or 
24 stivers wampum; every man for his lodging, 2 pence a man 
or 6 stivers wampum ; every man for his horse shall pay 4 pence 
for his night's hay or grass, or 12 stivers wampum, provide! the 
grass be in fence. "Signed, 

"THO: DE LAVALL, Mayor. 

■■Dated July 3, 1667." 



A distinguished clergyman, who in 1777 traveled through this 
section, has written the following graphic description : 

"Amid the appearance of desolation nothing struck me uiore 
forcibly than the sight of the highroad. Not a single, solitary 
traveler was seen from week to week, or from month to month. 
The world was motionless and silent except when one of the 
unhappy people ventured to the house of a neighbor no less 
unhappy, or a scouting party alarmed the inhabitants with the 
expectation of new injuries or sufferings. The very tracks of 
the carriages were grown over, and when they were discernible, 
resembled the faint impressions of the chariot wheels of Hercu- 
laneum. I strongly realized for the first time the import of that 
picturesque declaration in the Song of Deborah : 

'"In the days of Shamgar, the son of Anath, in the days of 
Jael, the hig'hways were unoccupied, and the travelers walked 
through by-paths. The inhabitants of the villages ceased. They 
ceased in Israel." 

In 1790, however, Lewis Morris, of Morrisania, was author- 
ized by the Legislature to construct a bridge from Harlem across 
the river to Morrisania. He sold the privilege to a Mr. Coles, 
who, about 1795, built the first Harlem Bridge, an exceedingly 
antiquated looking affair, which nevertheless did noble service 
for perhaps seventy years, when the second one was erected. 




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Mott H.ivcn Reformed Church, known as the Old Stone Church. Third Avenue "formerly Eoston 
Road) and 146th Street 



In the early days of public accounts, we read: 

"June IS, 1667 — To 4% pints rum and 15 cans measured 
beer, used in the agreement with Verveelen f 20. 

"Feb. 18, 1678 — To I .^nker good beer, dispensed when Do. 
Nieuwenhuysen was here to ordain the Deacon f 7: 10. 

"Sept. 9, 1688 — To rum at his funeral f 7." 

In the vestry book of an ancient parish is to be found this 
curious old entry : 

■'March 13, 1759 — To Ebenezer Kniffin, for ;l. gallon Rum 
for ye burying of Patrick Holoday " 

A short time after the Revolution, when the scattered resi- 
dents of Morrisania had settled comfortably to peace, the plan 
of a bridge across the Harlem River began to be discussed. 
During the war there was not the slightest need for such a 
structure, as Morrisania and the neighboring regions formed a 
portion of the dreaded "Neutral Ground." 



This was such a substantial iron structure that people declared 
its only fault was that it contained too much iron. In its turn 
it was removed only a few years ago to make room for the 
gigantic bridge that to-day spans the Harlem River at this point. 
The Laws of 1808 give the following rates of toll which 
early travelers had to pay when crossing Harlem Bridge : 

Every four-wheeled pleasure carriage and horses 375^ cts. 

Every two-wheeled pleasure carriage and horses 19 cts. 

Every pleasure sleigh and horses 19 cts. 

Every common wagon and horses 12H cts. 

Every common sled and horses I2j<> cts. 

Ox cart and oxen 12'.^ cts. 

Every one-horse cart and horse 9 cts. 

Every man and horse 9 cts. 

Every dozen hogs, sheep or calves 6 cts. 

Every foot passenger 3 Cts. 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



3t 



Troops with their stores, artillery and carriages, were passed 
free. 

Hunt as one will through the old records, there is no men- 
tion at all of the rates charged to bicycles, automobiles or even 
policemen. This must have been an oversight. 

In the same year that the first Harlem Bridge was built, the 
Legislature decided to lay out a road, through Morrisania, to 
connect with the main turnpike at New Rochelle. Once more 



stage coach is still quite good enough for me, even though the 
farmers do have to come to its rescue on almost every trip, and 
lift it bodily out of the mud and set it on all fours once more!" 
Some distance above Harlem Bridge, a woodland private 
lane branched off, leading to the historic residence of Gouverneur 
Morris on the Harlem Kills. As a boy I clearly remember see- 
ing the double line of ancient cherry trees that once flanked its 
sides. Where arc those cherry trees to-day? Swallowed up in 




Last of the Morris Trees 



Mr. Coles appears on the scene as the contractor, and in 1797, 
after seven years were spent in making eight miles of road, the 
Legislature finally declared it open as a public highway. 

If we could imagine an ancient denizen of times of yore, 
standing and watching the incessant stream of carriages, wagons 
and automobiles now rattling bj', and gazing at those marvelous 
cars that ring a bell whenever he looks at them, and eyemg 
suspiciously that mystifying railway up in the air, he would in 
his agony of surprise shriek out : 

"Give me back my rural Boston Road with its woods and 
fields and its majestic weeping willows! The lumbering old 



the immense multitude of apartment houses that have sprung 
up like mushrooms in their place. 

What is styled the "last of the Morris trees" was located near 
Willis Avenue, Mott Haven, and a photograph taken over forty 
years ago shows it even then lo have been a grizzled and ancient 
veteran. 

About iS7th Street, east of Third Avenue, and close to the 
tracks of the Port Morris Railroad, there stood until recently the 
tiniest little school house, almost literally as old as the hills. 
Under its low thatched roof the children of peasants and gentry 
alike gathered to receive their early education. There the daugh- 



32 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



ters of the soil met on equal terms the sons of the Morrises, 
whose splendid mansions still remain as orname.nts to the fast 
changing vicinity. 

"The mosses of a century seem to have gathered on the 
long slope of its roof," wrote a talented author, some years be- 
fore the destruction of the little school, "and it appears in every 
part to be slowly withering to decay, like a dried leaf on a 
November oak. Most of the little ones who crept and danced 
along by country paths to the pedagogue who flourished a good 
birchen rod there, have grown old and tottered back to Mother 
Earth's embrace, but the frail little temple of learning has sur- 
vived them and still shelters life and love under its mosses." 

At what is now i6oth Street, Boston Road made a sharp 
turn to the right, to cross a little brook, whose waters, once 
clear and crystal, babbled merrily along over their pebbly bed 
under a double line of stately weeping willows. While this 
sounds far from a description of what I remember Mill Brook 
to be, yet it is strictly correct. Many wonder where the old 
stream received its name. On its banks in early days once stood 
a large sawmill, and we find, back in the old histories, that it 
was styled "The Saw Milf Brook." 

Near Tremonf, not far from the same Mill Brook, is said 
to have been the home of the celebrated Charlotte Temple. Only 
a pile of stones served to designate the site. "Alas, poor Char- 
lotte ! The tears that have been shed over thy tragic fate would 
easily make another such rivulet !" 

From 163d Street, that venerable tliornughfare Boston 
Road, extends up the hill, skirting what was once the 
"Village of Morrisania," up hills and down dales, until it joined 
the original Boston Post Road near New Rochelle. 

It is to be feared that early travelers did not fall in love 
with what they found in this region. In 1692, Colonel Heathcote 
wrote : "When I first arrived ... I found it the most 



heathenish country I ever saw in all my life, where the inhabi- 
tants called themselves Christians." 

General Washington, while on his way homeward from 
New England, writes in his diary the following: "The badness 
of these roads having been described as I went, I shall say 
nothing of them now. The road for the greater part, indeed 
the whole way, was very rough and stoney, but the land strong, 
well covered with grass, a luxuriant crop of Indian corn. The 
farms are very close together, and are separated by fences of 
stone, which indeed are easily made, as the country is inuiicnsc- 
ly stony. The road is hilly and trying to wheels and 
carriages." 

"Pretty strong language this," some one has observed, "for 
the calm rnd benignant Father of his Country. It is to be feared 
that the road tried his patience as strongly as it tried his car- 
riage." 

It is not out of place here to quote from the journal of 
Madame Knight and see what she has to say : 

"We hasted along, walking and leading our horses neer a 
mile together up a prodigios High Hill, and descending Moun- 
tainos passages that almost broke my heart in ascending before. 

"They told me there was a singing Quaker lived there, says 
the woman, 'are you singing Quakers?' 'Yea,' says they; 'then 
take my squalling Brat of a child here and sing to it,' says she, 
'for 1 ha\e almost split my throat with singing to him and can't 
get the rogue to sleep.' 

"I was shewn up a pair of stairs which had a narrow pass- 
age which was almost stopped by the Bulk of my Body. Never- 
theless, being exceeding weary, down I laid my poor Carkes 
(never more tired) and found my covering as scanty as my 
Bed was hard. My poor bones complained bitterly, not being 
used to such Lodgings, and poor I made but one Grone which 
was from the time I went to bed to the time I Riss, which was 
about three in tlie morning. Setting by the Fire till Light." 




Morris High School, Boston Avenue and I66th Street 



CHAPTER XII 



GOUVERNEUR MORRIS AND OLD MORRISANIA 



^Richard Morris Gouverneur Morris — The Gouverneur Morris Mansion — Anecdotes — The Lewis Morris Mansion 

-Morrisania Almost the Capital of America 



About the year 1670 the fouiulatioiiN i>f the immense Morris 
estate were laid when Captain Richard Morris, a British mer- 
chant from Barbadoes, bought in behalf of himself and his 
brother Lewis, the former "Broncksland." He had serv "d in 
Cromwell's army, and after his stay in Barbadoes had drifted 
to our shores. A few years later, we read, both Richard and his 
wife died, leaving behind them an infant son, Lewis, who in 
after years became possessed of about 1,920 acres of land, and 
was made the first Lord of the Manor of Morrisania. 

The story is told that his tutor, a pious old Quaker, while 
once engaged in meditation in the woods, heard a voice, as he 
supposed from Heaven, directing him to go and spread the 
gospel among the Indians. The old man was actually on the 
point of starting when he discovered that the mysterious voice 
was that of young Lewis Morris, who had climbed into a tree 
where he thought his tutor would be likely to pass. 

In tlie year 1752 Gouverneur Morris began his remarkable 
career. When only 2"] years of age, he was summoned to at- 
tend Washington, spending three long months in conference with 
his chief at Valley Forge. A few years later, on being thrown 
from his carriage, his leg was so severely injured that it was 
amputated, an operation that modern surgery declares to have 
been entirely unnecessary. A clergyman once sought to con- 
vince him that the loss of his limb was really a blessing in dis- 
guise, when Mr. Morris laughingly replied : "My dear sir, you 
argue so handsomely and point out so clearly the advantages of 
being without legs, that I am almost tempted to part with the 
other." 

In his old mansion formerly standing near the foot of St. 
Ann's Avenue, could be seen the marks made by his wooden leg as 
he went up and dow-n the stairs. And it is said that this historic 
piece of wood — described as merely a rough piece fitted to the 
limb — is carefully preserved as one of the treasured relics of the 
family. 

The wf.r being over, Gouverneur Morris received the honor 
of being appointed Minister Plenipotentiary to the Court of 
France, remaining there during the Reign of Terror, after al- 
most every one of the diplomatists from other countries had left 
the scene. "For." he said, "it is not for me to desert my post 
in the hour of difficulty." 

When Lafayette was imprisoned liy tlie Prussians. Morris 
generously supplied him with funds whicli were afterwards re- 
turned to him by the United States Government. And when 
Lafayette came to America on his noted visit, one of the first 
persons he came to was Gouverneur Morris at his home at Mor- 
risania. 

Mrs. John Jay once wrote : "On Wednesday, when the 
President was away, Mrs. Washington called on me, and on 



1 hursday, after an early breakfast of our own, we went, agree- 
ably to invitation, to breakfast at General Morris's, Morrisania." 

A noted Englishman was once the guest of Judge William 
Jay, and together they made a tour of calls on many prominent 
families. After visiting the Schuylers, Van Cortlandts and V,t 
Rensselaers, t^hey came to call upon Gouverneur Morris. 
Scarcely had they entered the spacious grounds when they un- 
expectedly came upon a man in his shirt sleeves, without coat 
or vest, his trousers tucked up, a scythe over his shoulder, the 
perspiration streaming down his face and his head crowned 
with an old straw hat with a hole in the top. It was Gouver- 
neur Morris himself ! Small wonder, then, that we are told 
that Morris could lead the field with his scythe as well as re- 
cite whole verses of Virgil by heart. 

The picturesque, vine-laden mansion of that time is said 
to iiave been erected in 1789, comprising but one-third 
of the original structure so tastefully modelled after a celebrated 
French chateau. Of his dwelling Morris once wrote : "I have 
a terrace roof — and by the by I will send you a receipt of how 
to make one — of 130 feet long, from whence I enjoy one of the 
finest prospects, while enjoying the most salubrious air." 

It is long since I visited the old house, but I have heard 
many interesting tales about it. In the library stood his private 
desk, whose secret recesses contained a mysterious drawer, where 
784 livres were concealed, which had been intrusted to him by 
King Louis XIV, to aid in the escape of himself and his family 
from Paris. As Morris was unable to assist him, the money 
was returned to the Duchess d'AngouIeme, the daughter of the 
unfortunate King. 

On all sides of ihe old mansion spacious halls and mas- 
sive staircases, with walls two feet thick. It has been aptly 
stated that in every one of the thirty-two rooms you can swing 
a cat without injuring in the least either the walls or the cat. 

Within almost a stone's throw of the Gouverneur Morris 
Mansion, Lewis Morris erected his own residence, now de- 
stroyed. One incident about this ancient house will perhaps al- 
ways be remembered. When Lewis Morris affixed his signature 
to the Declaration of Independence, he was only too well aware 
that, anchored within easy firing distance of his splendid man 
sion, were the hostile warships of the British fleet, ready at any 
moment to begin the work of destruction. But sign he did. 
and the British did not see their way clear to reducing his house 
to a mass of ruins. 

How many are there of us who know that Morrisania — the 
Morrisania of the Morrises, and afterwards styled "Old Mor- 
risania — cante within an ace of being chosen as the all-important 
Capital of America? About 1790 a petition was forwarded by 
Lewis Morris to Congress, urging in very strong terms the 



34 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



selection of Morrisania as a seat for the new American govern- 
ment. Among the other advantages it was stated that "there 
were more fighting men within a sweep of thirty miles around 
Morrisania than perhaps within the same distance around any 
other place in America. Persons emaciated by sickness and 
disease," it said, "there shortly recover and are speedily rein- 
stated in health and vigor." And lastly: "Other places contain 
many negro inhabitants, who not only do not fight themselves, but 
by keeping their masters at home, prevent them from fighting 
also." 

Unfortunately, however, the hard-hearted Congress turned a 
deaf ear to these pleadings, choosing another site nearer the 
waters of the Potomac. But we of the Bronx cannot help think- 
ing how nice it would read : 

"Morrisania on the Harlem, the Capital of America." 

The title to Morrisania is most interesting, but perhaps more 
so to lawyers than to the world at large. A few of the most 
salient points, however, may be quoted : 

"William, or Wilhelm Kieft, Dutch Governor, by patent dated 
October 20, 1644, granted to Arent Van Curlear, tlie land form- 
erly in the tenure of Jonas Bronk-K, called by the Indians 
Ranachque, and by the English Bronckx Land, lying on the 
Main to the East, and over against Harlem town, near Hell 
Gate and a greater creek or river which divides it from Man- 
hattan's Island, containing about 500 acres or 250 morgens of 
land." 

.Many deeds follow, one of which is in Dutch, all b.'ing 



formerly in tlic possession of the late Gouverneur Morris. Sam- 
uel Edsall and wife convey the same premises on June 4, 1668, 
for 140 pounds, to Richard Morris. Lewis Morris remained in 
possession of the premises until 1673, when, the Dutch taking the 
place, his family was forced to leave the land. In 1674 the place 
was surrendered and Colonel Lewis Morris took possession again. 

On February 7, 1684, six Indians signed a deed of confirma- 
tion, in I be presence of six witnesses, of the same premises to 
Colonel Morris. This was also in the possession of Gouver- 
neur Morris. 

"Morrisania remained but sparsely settled for years," says 
an early writer. "During the Revolution its forests formed 
secure hiding places for the Loyalist refugees, and its thick 
coverts abounded in wolves. It remained in the family of its 
ancient owners until the first advent to its fields in 1848. An 
association then purchased 200 acres of its northern part and 
liegan a village. At that time there were but three houses on 
the purchase. At first it was called the New Village, but as it 
grew it assumed the name of Morrisania. while Bronck"s origi- 
nal property was known as "Old Morrisania." 

Only a short time ago Mrs. Augusta Morris de Peyster and 
.\ugustus Newbold Morris sold a portion of the old Fleetwood 
Park Race Course, a section that has been in the possession of 
the Morris family since 1668, the conveyance at that time repre- 
senting an adjustment of the English grant, the Dutch grant and 
pii Indian deed. 




patriotic Celebration at the Gouverneur Morris Mansion, on the occasion of the Reception of the Liberty Bell from Faneuil Ha!l 



CHAPTER XIII 



MORRISANIA VILLAGE 



The One House that Dates from the Period when Morrisania Was Bought — The Old Stone Gate House and 

the Jennings Old Homestead —Anecdotes The "Huckleberry Road" — The Old Stages — Tfce 

Wm. H. Morris Mansion The Morris Farm House The Georgi House — The Mott 

House — Other Old Houses— Robert Bonner's Advertisement The Old Spy House 



Passing to a later date. 1848. Gouverneur Morris the Second 
divided up a portion of his vast estate, offering it for sale in lots 
of an acre each. He wished to form an ideal village. At pres- 
ent there is but one house known to be standing in all the 200 
acres that was in existence when Morris was interviewed by the 
men who wished a suburban Eden for a home. 

It is a small, square stone structure, evidently a farm build- 
ing on the Morris farm, just west of Third Avenue, below 167th 
Street. I have been told that it was originally a gate house to 
the William H. Morris mansion, and probably built in 1816, or 
earlier, when Fordham Avenue was the most prominent artery 
of travel in this neighborhood. It has but one room on each 
floor, each with two windows, fronting towards the south, now 
closed by the erection of a shed on that side. The laths are of 
oak, hand-hewn, curiosities in themselves. A second, recently 
torn down, was an ancient stone house, covered with brown 
stucco on the front, standing on the west side of Boston Road, 
south of Jefferson Place. Its proper title was the Jennings Old 
Homestead, although it was also styled the Drovers' Inn and the 
Old Stone Jug. The Jennings family has served in the Revo- 
lutionary War, the War of 1812, the Mexican and the Civil Wars. 
.Mr. Jennings himself was one of the first settlers of Morrisania. 
The old h(.use was one of this locality's most ancient landmarks. 




Old Stone Gate House, Morrisania 

as.serted tu be over 150 years old. At one time it was occupied 
by memb.^rs of the De Lancey family, while in the rear the great 
barn has also recently been demolished, with its massive b-ind- 
hewn beams, and shingles twenty-eight inches long. I have had 
given me one of the hinges of the barn doors, thirty-one inches 



long, weighing eight pounds, and containing five great hand- 
forged spikes, the largest I have ever seen. 

In examining the Jennings old homestead, I discovered that 
there were several doors and windows, one arch-shaped, on the 
side, showing that it must have once stood by itself, with these. 




Jennin}i;s' Old Homestead (Old Stone Jug) 

openings leading to the open air. The greater part of the lath- 
are hand-hewn, and in one place is a most curious stat^ of 
affairs — the stone walls are papered and at some later date they 
put up cleats and laths and paper directly over the original paofv. 

An old resident of this time-worn abode told me: "About 
1841 we moved to the Drover's Inn, living in it many year* 
■|"hat was seven years before 'Morrisania' came into existence. 
Way up in the garret there were lots of bullet holes, which musf 
have been made during the Revolution, for 1 have no idea h'jw 
long ago it was built. Come' to think of it," she added, laugh- 
ing, "1 am not sure whether those were bullet holes or bnmbU- 
bee holes. They looked as if they might have been either." 

Morrisania — for a long time called the "New Village, e\en 
on the time tables of the Harlem Railroad — possessed at lli:it 
period all the delights of the true country. We are told that 
there were fire-flies of inunense size that would flit through thf 
air of a summer night, of which the glare of the old-time street 
lamps was but a feeble imitation. An Irishman met rmc of the 
Morrisania turtles out for a stroll, and announced that he had 
just seen "a strange animal with a saddle on his back, that swal- 
lowed his head with his mouth." 

Both Harlem and New Haven trains used to dash along 
at a fearful rate of speed, regardless of life and limb, so that 
Morrisania soon became well known for its long list of railroad 




PRONG-HORNED ANTELOPE. 










COFVKICHT, 1900, BY THE NEW VOKK ZUUUIGICAL SOCIETY. 

YOUNG FEMALE WOODLAND CARIBOU. 

SPECIMENS OF ANIMALS IN THE BRONX ZOO 



AT HIS NOON-PAY MEAL. 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



3? 



disasters. One peculiar accident may be mentioned, fortunately 
not fatal. Two trains were approaching in opposite directions, 
when a village farmer tried to drive a big herd of cows acres'! 
the tracks. Nothing could persuade the cows to hurry. Crash 
went both trains into the drove! Result: "Nine cows killed, 
eleven cars wrecked and piled up in a manner that beggars de- 
scription, and that could not have been done by all the mechanics 
in the universe !" 

One of the curiosities of Morrisania was the "Huckleberry 
Road," an ancient horse railway that in 1892 became the more 
modern and ever extending Union Railway. Old residents 
are never tired of telling of the peculiar experiences they went 
through in "Huckleberry" times. Getting out in the mud on a 
dark night to help lift the car on the track was looked upon as 
a common experience. One man told me that when the car 
unexpectedly stopped, the passengers got out to see what was the 
matter, and found that the horse had fallen down in the water 
between the tracks, which was deep enough to drown him ! In 
winter they would put straw in the cars as the best method of 
keeping the passengers' feet warm. 

Previous to the advent of the horse car a great, lumbering 
stage coach would creep slowly along to Harlem Bridge, where 
travelers would take either the Third Avenue horse-cars or 
steamboats to carry them down town. One instance is related 
of this stage. While passing the house of an old resident, the 
servant came rushing out, crying: "Please wait a few minutes. 
Mr. Blank is just finishing shaving and wants to go down town." 
And the stage waited. 

The multitudes of apartments that are springing up on all 
sides are leaving but little of old Morrisania itself. On the high 
ground wes^ of Webster Avenue still stands the great square 
mansion of William H. Morris, erected in 1816. Just to the 
east is a smaller stone erection said to have been a school house. 
Almost on the same sites stood the old wooden house, built by 
James Morris, with dormer windows, whose date was about 
1795, while a short distance to the west is one of the quaintest 




Wm. H. Morris Mansion, Morrisania 

of Structures, the Morris farm house, built about 1792. The 
caretaker of the large mansion told me that ever since an occa 
sion when burglars broke into it, there has been an underground 
communication between the two, to be used in case of sudden 
emergency. 

As we have seen, the "New Village" was sold by Gouver- 
neur Morris the Second to a company of prospectors for about 
$34,600. Of the original 200 acres purchased, forty-three were 
taken for streets and avenues, the remainder being divided into 
167 lots of one acre each, thus averaging about ten dollars for 



each city lot. Quite a difference from to-day's prices, but fifty- 
seven years have wrought miracles. 

What was known as the old Georgi house, that stood on the 
Morris farm before it was divided into acre plots, was located 
just west of Fordham (Third) Avenue between l62d and l53d 
Streets. I just remember seeing it partially burned when it 
faced oil 163d Street or old First Street. Afterwards it was 
moved so as to front on l62d Street. Originally it was used as 
a hotel, facing the old race track of the Morrises, traces of 
which were visible in 1849. About seven years ago it was torn 
down to r.iake room for a row of gigantic apartment houses. 




Morris Farm House 

Another old house, the fifth to be built in the Village of 
Morrisania, just south of the Georgi house, was erected by th» 
late De Witt C. Mott. Formerly standing at the southwest 
corner of Third (Fordham) Avenue and i62d Street (Union 
Place), irs situation, far below the present level of the avenue, 
showed v/hat the early grade used to be. It used to stand on 
"Lot No. 2 of the Village of Morrisania" and has since been 
moved around the corner and now fronts on i62d Street, sti.U 
being occupied by Mr. Mott's son, Frank P. Mott, Superintend- 
ent of Station R., N. Y. P. O., who has lived there for fif^y-six 
years. 

On "Lot No. I," a great change has taken place. The new 
Court House is taking the place of the ancient "Hammer's 
Hotel," a typical country tavern half a century ago, with its old 
porch in fiont for guests to sit and rest in old-fashioned, hard- 
seated chairs. To the west of this, beyond what was known as 
the "Dry Bridge," stood the old "Town Hall," although south 
of the true limits of Morrisania. It has recently been torn 
down and a new police station has been erected on the site. 

Almost opposite, the De Graaf or IngersoU residence, built 
about fifty years ago, stands on the lofty heights of Grove Hill. 
From its roof the whole surrounding country could be seen, 
including the famous Crystal Palace in the far distant Forty- 
second Street. On the north side of 163d Street the Schnorer 
Club House is a conspicuous landmark, built in the early fifties. 
It was formerly the handsome residence of George Hand, and 
afterwards the home of Judge Welsh. 

In the rural district of West Morrisania, the well known 
Robert Bonner, proprietor of the "New York Ledger," had his 
home, and in his barns was stabled the famous racer "Dexter." 
Mr. Bonner, however, did not fancy the location, and so he 
offered the place for sale, sending an advertisement to the "New 
York Sun." Mr. Dana, the editor, replied that he could not 
print it on his advertising pages, but would like to use it in his 



38 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUCJH 



editorial columns, and pay well for it, too. It ran in part as 
follows : 

"I h'.-reby offer for sale my country seat at West Morrisania, 
where I have lived for the last three summers and do not think 
I can live much longer. Now. I offer for sale a real curiosity — 
somethin.? rare — the exact spot where fever and ague may be 
found. I warrant it to be there. Three of my children have it. 
my gardener has it, my groom has the sure symptoms, and I 
have a sufficient inkling of it myself. Besides the fever and 
ague, the estate consists of a fine double house surrounded by 
trees. These trees furnish a fine harbor for mosquitoes that do 
not seem sufficiently affected by the fever and ague to prevent 
their biting. I bought it to please my wife; I leave it to please 
the whole family. Terms cash. I am afraid any security on it 
would get the fever and ague and become shaky. I want to get 
away as fast as De.xter can carry me. P. S. — The town authori- 
ties are making alterations in the street adjoining. If they drain 
the place as well as they do the pockets of the landholders, it 
may become healthy !" 

A little north of the limits of Morrisania Village, on the 
westerly side of Boston Road, opposite Bristow Street, stood an 
old house, the wing to which was attached when the thorough- 
fare was widened. This wing formerly stood on the other side 
of Boston Road, just this side of the Southern Boulevard, and 
is said to have been the dwelling, in Revolutinnary days, of a 



spy, who in the garb of a British peddler, passed at will acros= 
the English lines, thus gaining valuable information to the .\mcri- 
can cause. A short distance beyond, on the southwest corner of 
the Southern Boulevard and the Boston Road, is still to be seen 
another ai.cient home, the old Hunt house, where Washington 
IS reported to have passed one night, evidently in close confer- 
ence with the spy, whose identity was known to him alone. I 
was recently driving near by with an old resident who had not 
been in the district for years. 

"What has become of the old Spy House?" he asked, 
anxiously, as we passed the spot. I told him u had been moved 
about a quarter of a mile further south. 

"I am so glad it is still in existence," was his reply. "I 
could not bear to think of anything happening to my friend the 
old Spy House." And only recently this old landinark has been 
torn down, revealing a mass of hand-split shingles used in its 
construction. 

There is a rumor that, when the early residents of Morris- 
ania became especially elated over the future of their village, the 
large bull frogs in the marshes on the west side of the railroad, 
would seem to croak out loud: "A BIG THING! A BIG 
THING! A BIG THING!" But when their spirits fell, and 
some of the settlers threatened to return to the city in disgust, 
once mo/e would be heard the voices of the frogs, saying: "I 
UON'TSEEIT! I DON'T SEE IT! I DON'T SEE IT," 




Old Lady Washinjsrton Engine Coinpa 



Wailiington Avenue 



CHAPTER XIV 



CROTONA PARK 

The Indian Pond — Old Fordham Avenue— The Bathgate Homestead — Fairmoont — The Old Shingle-Sided 

House— "The Rush" 



For many years this part of the Bathgate estate lay in its 
original condition, except as it was laid out into meadows or 
fields. A portion was known as the "real woods." Its 155 acres 
were accjuired hy the city as a public park and since then it lias 
been one of the prettiest of our metropolis's playgrounds. 'I'hc 
many evidences of glacial action, the interwinding roads and 
paths, and the broad meadows so suitable for athletic sports are 
to-day the rendezvous of multitudes. The well known "Indian 




Old Third Avenue 

Pond." so popular both in summer and winter, is one of its 
chief attractions. At the lower end tlic low ground has been 
filled in, making a level and well patronized athletic field. 

Just beyond the western boundary extends our noisy, bust- 
ling Third Avenue, once a quiet farm road through the Morris 
estate. On the westerly side of this, below Wendover Avenue, 
stood the white, old-fashioned Bathgate homestead, now 
having yielded to the usual advance of city flats. It is said 



that the Wendover Avenue station — within sight of which Con- 
gressman Wendover had his residence — was placed almost 
directly at their duor because the Bathgates would on no other 



^'-C- 



■^■'^^m'i 



i ^ ©;.v.?i 




Bath}!;ate Homestead 

condition give their consent to the construction of the elevated 
road. A few trees of the old Bathgate apple orchard may still 
be seen, but this is the only trace remaining of the family, sav- 
ing two houses on the Boston Road. 

On the old maps this highway is styled Fordham Avenue. 
It seems indeed a great pity that this name was not retained, 
as Third Avenue is a sort of "sui generis," being the only num- 
bered avenue corresponding with the New York avenues that 
we find in the Bronx. 

On the high ground north of Crotona Park lies the old 
village of Fairmount, almost as it used to be fifty years ago, 
its fine old-fashioned residences being "kissed by the sun long 
before it reaches Fremont." Just north of Tremont Avenue, 
about where Clinton Avenue is cut through, stood an exceed- 
ingly old house, its shingled sides betokening its great age. But, 
look as you will, no trace of the old house is now visible, nor 
can one find the "Rush," once a well known skating pond on 
whose smooth surface thousands used to glide in the crisp, 
frosty weather. 





i ->^<.y "^ -^ B '"-^ Ji.vv'aM. J^'*.*~- y 



JAMES BUCKHOUT 



CHAPTER XV 



WEST FARMS AND THE BRONX RIVER 



West Farms — The Bronx River — Anecdotes — The Walker Mansion— The De Lancey Block House — Uncle 
Daniel Mapes' Temperance House— The Old Ford — The Hassock Meadow — Old Patents 



Bronx Park, West Farms and the Bronx River are so closely 
interwoven that it is hard to dissociate them, one from the 
other. 

In earlier days Boston Road did not enter West Farms by 



One wag fitly remarked, a nnmlier of years ago, that he 
was not only in the country, but in the sleepy old town of West 
Farms, whose inhabitants had been stationary for a hundred 
years, never forgetting anything and never learning anything new. 










-^; 





New Beck Memorial Church, West Farms 

the same direct route that is used now. Just beyond the car Many of the Morrisanians were declared to have been up and in 

barns it turned to the north, following tlie general line of the the city in the morning and at th«ir places of business before 

present Bryant Street until Tremont Avenue was reached, when those drowsy West Farmers had done yawning after their first 

it branched to the right towards West Farms centre. morning nap ! Whenever their business demanded that they 



42 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



bhoiild go to West Farms, they always felt a sense of drowsi- 
ness come over them on their return, with an irresistible desire 
to go to bed. Indeed some joker has ventured to say that Wash- 
ington Irving really wrote: "West Farms" instead of "Sleepy 
Hollow" in his tale of Rip Van Winkle, and that the substitu- 
tion of "Sleepy Hollow" was simply a mistake of the printer ! 

After many windings, the River Bronx narrows down and 
passes through West Farms. Numerous tales are told about 
this river, which, were it not for the niill-dams, would be noth- 
mg but a narrow silvery stream. The poet Coleridge styles it 
"the noble Bronx." We hear of an order commg from the 
British War Office, directing its warships to proceed at once 
up the Bronx and attack the Yankee ships supposed to be in 
hiding above. How far they got is not known, for a tug has 
difficulty, even at high tide, in reaching West Farms. Another 
story that is too good to be missed is the report that an Eng- 
glish commander sent to his home office the dispatch: "We 
have crossed the Bronx without the loss of a single man !" Why, 
there are plenty of places where one can easily ford the stream 
by jumping from stone to stone! 

One of the earliest landmarks of West Farms was the 
great Walker mansion, north of the West Farms public school. 
It is now destroyed, but in its prime it was described as "an 
old-fashioned, English-looking place, with its tall shrubbery of 
venerable box and massive hedge rows." Indeed the school 
house was built on the site of the apple orchard of the Walker 
family, while the timbers of the old mansion are declared to 
have been hewn of live oak. "In front still stand, in towermg 
majesty, the two finest elms that Westchester County ever pro- 
duced." Gone is the old house, and only one venerable elm is 
left, now reduced to a bare skeleton, to guard the spot with 
jealous care. 

There was a British block house about on the site of the 
present "Peabody Home." It was erected by Colonel De Lancey 
as a protection for his outposts at Morrisania, and until the 
unexpected arrival of Aaron Burr with an efficient force, had 
withstood all attacks of the Americans. Though but tw-enty-one 
years of age at that time. Burr was appointed by Washington and 
rendered incalculable service in suppressing lawlessness in the 
Neutral Ground. At all hours of the day and night he was 
on hand, accomplishing wonders in his line, so much so that 
Parton wrote : "The effects produced were magical. Not an- 
other house was plundered, not another family alarmed while 
Colonel Burr commanded in the Westchester regions. The mys- 
tery and swiftness of the detection, the rigor and fairness with 
which the marauders were treated, overawed the men whom 
three campaigns of lawless warfare had corrupted, and re- 
stored confidence to the people who had passed their lives in ter- 
ror." 

The greatest achievements of Colonel Burr's men w'a> 
the complete annihilation of the De Lancey Block House at 
West Farms, "a feat performed, like Wayne's storming of 
Stony Point, without firing a musket." At two o'clock in the 
morning Burr arrived with his followers, sending ahead forty 
men, "who rushed past the sentinels, placed the ladders against 
the fort, mounted them, hurled the combustibles with slow 
matches attached into the port-holes, and then threw the hand- 
grenades inside. Almost instantly the fort was on fire, and 
every man, except a few who escaped, surrendered. Not an 
American was injured." 

Another interesting landmark of West Farms has recently 
been moved to a new locality. This was the original buildmg 
of the Peabody home, on the easterly side of Boston Road at 
the corner of Clover Street. Its small windows and long 



piazzas all betokened that it had been a hostelry in by-gone 
days, and so it was — "Uncle Daniel Mapes' Temperance House." 
1 think. Iinwever, that the same old house altered and com^ 




Uncle Daniel Mapes' Temperance House, West Farms 

plclely changed is standing a few blocks to the west, while 
a fine new brick building has been erected for the Peabody Home. 

About two blocks north, Kingsbridge Road joins Boston 
Road, while close by a bridge leads across the Bronx just south 
of the falls. How many are there crossing the span at Tre- 
mont Avenue, amid the confusion of trolley cars, who realize 
that this bridge near Kingsbridge Road was once the only way 
to reach Westchester and points beyond? In the woods south 
of the falls can be traced the route of the disused roadway that 
crossed the Bronx by ford at this point. In other words, sup- 
pose we lived in the old, old times on Manhattan Island and 
wished to travel to Westchester, we should have to journey slow- 
ly up the whole length of the island, cross the King's Bridge or 
perhaps the Farmer's Bridge, and then branch southeast, up 
Breakneck Hill, through Fordham, down to West Farms, and 
cross the Bronx by this still rural lane before we reached our 
destination ! 

Somewhat to the west of the old village of West Farms, 
and south of the present Tremont Avenue, lay the historic 
"Hassock Meadow," iiientioned in many of the early deeds. By 
the filling in of the new Crotona Parkway, which adjoins the 
Southern Boulevard towards the east, the greater part of this 
quaint meadow has disappeared. We find it also mentioned as 




Johnson's Tavern, West Farms 

one of the boundaries of the "West Farms" in the early deed of 
1664, in which Edward Jessup and John Richardson, two of this 
borough's first landed proprietors, purchased from the Indians 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



43 



a large tract uf land, afterwards called West Farms, and de- 
scribed in the records in the office of the Secretary of State at 
Albany as follows : 

"Westchester, March the I2th, 1(104. 
"These may certify whom it may concern that wee, Sli.AW- 
NEROCKETT. WAPPAMOE, TUCKORE, WAWAPE- 
COCK, CAPPAKAS. QUANUSCOE, SHEQUISKE, PASSA- 
CHEM and HARRAVVOCKE have aliened and sold unto Edward 
Jessup and John Richardson, both of the place aforesaid, a 
certain tract of land, honnded on the east by the River Aque- 
hung or Bronckx, to tlie midst of the river ; on the northward 
by the trees markt and by a piece of Hassock Meadow; west- 
ward by a little brook called Sackwrahung; southward by the 
sea, with a neck of land called Quinnahung, with all the mead- 
ows, uplands, trees and whatsoever else besides be upon ye said 
.parcel of lands .... quietly to possess, enjoy the same from 
us our heires and successors . . . and for their cattle to range 
in the Wood so Farre as they please. 

"Wee have sett to our hands, the day and yeare above 
written. 

Wappamoe, Shawnerockett, 

Wawapekock, Tuckore, 

Shaquiske. Passachem, 

Harrawocke, Cappakkas. 

Quanuscoe, 
Signed in presence of, 

Edward Waters, 
Richard Ponson, 
Nathan Bayly. 
(Their marks were set, to.") 




Old Spy House near West Farms 

In order to make matters sure, this old deed was two years 
later confirmed by two patents, obtained by Jessup and Richard- 
son, separately, that of the former, secured from Governor 
Nichols, reading in part in these words : 

"Richard Nichols, Esq., Governor under his Royal High- 
nesse, James, Duke of York, etc., to all his Territoryes in 
America, To all whom these Presents shall come Sendeth Greet- 



Whereas there is a certaine Parcell or Tract of Land within 
this Government . . . (here follows a description, in which the 
llasscock Meadow jilays a prominent part) . . . Know Yee that 
by venue of tlic Commission and ."Kuthorily given unto me liy his 
Royal Highnesse, the Duke of Yorke, 1 have thought fitt to rati- 
fy Confirme and Grant unto Edward Jessop aforesaid . . . the 
Moyety or one halfe of all the Woods. Meadows, Pastures or 
Marshes thereunto belonging . . . 

"Given under my hand and Scale at Fort James in New 
Yorke the 25th day of Aprill, in the i8th yeare of his Majesties 
Reigne, and in the Veare nf ciur Lord God, 1666. 

RICHARD NICHOLLS." 




Hassock Meadow 

As for the white oak tree, "ye corner tree of Jessup and 
Richardson," which marked the extreme northwestern corner of 
the Patent, it is thought to have stood just south of the Home 
for Incurables, on the east side of the present Third Avenue, 
between Tremont and Fordham. It is mentioned in the Indian 
deed to Lewis Morris and marked the important point where 
the three patents of Morrisania, Fordham and that of Jessup 
and Richardson joined. On an old map, this section south of 
the Home for Incurables, and just below where the old Quarry 
Road climbed up the steep rocky hill, is styled the "Oak Tree 
Plot," showing that possibly the celebrated oak tree stood with- 
in its limits. 

In referring to the "Hassock Meadow," one who has lived 
for many years in the "West Farms" once told me : "I thought 
they would never be able to fill in Tremont Avenue through this 
Hassock Meadow, as load after load disappeared in its swampy 
grasp. And as for the Hassocks, there they are to this day so 
plentiful that I told some one that he had better kneel down 
and say his prayers on them !" 

The east branch of the Subway terminates abruptly at i8oth 
Street, which also marks the southerly point of Bronx Park. 
About this neighborhood are grouped a number of highly inter- 
esting sites that may more appropriately be described under the 
heading of Bronx Park. 





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CHAPTER XVI 



BRONX PARK 



Dc Lancey's Mills— Lydig's Mills— De Lancey's Pine— Johnson's Tavern— The Zoological Park— Bronxdale— The 

Lofillard Estate — The Botanical Gardens 



Tlie very first striking spectacle tliat greets the visitor to 
this charming locahty is the silvery stream that dashes over the 
embankment just above the old fording pLace, and about on a 
line with i8ist Street. 

On the east side of the river, close to this spot were all 
the lands of the famous De Lanceys, the mills themselves stand- 




Lydig's Mills 

ing nearly opposite the foot of the present i8ist Street. No re- 
mains of them, unfortunately, are now visible, as they fell a vic- 
tim to the flames about 1845, being entirely of wood, save for the 
foundations. Even the stones of this foundation were washed 
away by the rush of water when the dam broke, as it has done 
several times since the fire. De Lancey's Mills were comprised 
under one building, and have been described as both a "neigh- 
borhood" saw and grist mill. They were run by "overhead" 
water power, being so close to the dam. 

On the other or west side of the river, a short distance 
further from the dam, were the old Lydig's Mills. The build- 
ings were constructed about a year after the fire of 1845, and a 
little further down the stream than De Lancey's Mills. This re- 
quired a race-way to bring the water to the three overhead 
water-wheels, which were afterwards replaced in part by tur- 
bine wheels. When this property was taken as a portion of 
Bronx Park the mills were torn down, but the foundations still 
exist, and a view of the falls through the archway — now ruined — 
formed one of the prettiest vistas in the whole of Bronx Park. 

Lydig's Mills, we are told, formed also one building, and 
ground grist for the whole neighborhood, and also grain brought 
from the then distant City of New York by means of sloops up 
the Bronx River. 

Although both De Lancey's and Lydig's Mills have vanish- 
ed, there still remains one relic of the past, close to the site of 
the De Lancey mansion, which stood on tflie east shore of the 
Bronx and is said to have been the great rendezvous of Loyal- 
ists living in the region. One of the De Lancey family, Peter 



by name, lived at West Farms and became known by the title 
of "Peter of the Mills." Among his sons was James, high 
sheriff from 1770 to 1/77, and the famous Colonel of the West- 
chester Light Horse, also known as "De Lancey's Horse" that 
proved such a terror to the Americans of the vicinity. After 
the Revolution, when the patriots reigned supreme, he moved to 
Nova Scotia, dying there as a refugee. 

Another son was Oliver De Lancey, also of West Farms, 
a lieutenant in the English Navy, who resigned his command 
sooner than fight against his own land, and after returning to 
this country, lived the rest of his life at Westchester. 

The famous relic of the past to which we have just referred, 
is the sturdy De Lancey pine, a veritable monarch of the forest, 
towering to a height of over one hundred and fifty feet, and 
quite dwarfing all its surrounding brothers. To all appear- 
ances it is almost as robust and strong as when, in the days 
long gone by. Colonel De Lancey built under the very shadow 
of its immense branches that elegant mansion of his, now long 
since razed to the ground. 




Dc Lancey's Pine 

One single glance .U the De Lancey pine seems to carry one 
back to the woodland days when the surrounding forests were 
full of wild beast.s. Once again is this magnificent tree a neigh- 
bor to the savage cries of animals, only this time they come from 
the New York Zoological Park, and the noises are rapidly becom- 



46 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



ing more varied and much louder than ever they were in early 
days. When all other animals are silent, the peculiar and 
penetrating cry of the sea-lion re-echoes through the woods. 

"Where gentle Bronx clear winding Hows 

The shady banks between ; 
Where blossomed bell or wilding rose 

Adorns the brightest green ; 
Memorial of the fallen great, 

The rich and honored line. 
Stands high in solitary state, 

De Lancey's Ancient Pine. 

"There once at early dawn arrayed, 

The rural sports to lead. 
The gallant master of the glade 

Bedecked his eager steed. 
And once the lightfoot maiden came, 

In loveliness divine, 
To sculpture with the dearest name 

De Lancey's Ancient Pine. 

"But now the stranger's foot explores 

De Lancey's wide domain. 
And scarce one kindred heart restores 

His memory to the plain. 
And just like one, in age alone. 

The last of all his line, 
Bends sadly where the waters moan, 

De Lancey's Ancient Pine." 

Almost directly opposite De Lancey's Pine stood until re- 
cently, a quaint old building, on the east side of Boston Road at 
its intersection with Kingsbridge Road. This was Johnson's 
Tavern, -m inn of olden times, where both man and beast were 
wont to be refreshed, it being the last place where the stage- 
coach changed horses on its way from Boston to New York. 
"The Mill" seems to haye been the best customer of all, for it 
was apparently the practice for the millers to furnish their em- 
ployees with stimulants gratis, in order to secure their best ser- 
vices. 

Here i."^ a bona-fide extract, quaint spelling and all, from the 
old tavern ledger: 

S E T H R A M O N D' S DAY BOOK. 
At the Old Tavern at West I-'arms. 

.\pril 1815. £ s d 

John Embrie, to i Gug o o 6 

James Hill, to i lb shugar o i 3 

Elvin Doty, to sider o o 9 

Hugh Wallace, to ^-2 lb Candals o i o 

Philip Hunt, to I Gil Gin o o 6 

To Paper Mill, One Quart Spirits o 2 6 

James Briggs, to String o i o 

John Strech, to Yz pt gin, 2 loafes o 2 9 

John Lounsbury, to i Oz Tobaco o o 3 

Hugh Wallis, to i lb Ghees o i 4 

James Stone, I Qt Eggcider o i 6 

To the Mill, i Qt Gin 030 

The Mil, to i Qut Gin 030 

John Embrie, to i Teapot. . . .' o 2 6 

Do I Qt Eggcider o i 3 

Do I Gil Sp 006 

Do I Qt. Sp 026 



Above "Johnson's Tavern" the River Bronx widens into a 
genuine lake, and is a famous place both for boating in the 
gentle summer days and for skating when the ice has reached the 
regulation four inches. Nearly half a mile above the falls is still 
plainly to be seen the spot where the roadway in days of yore 
turned to the right down to the water's edge, there to be met by 
a corresponding road on the other side. Here was the ancient 
fording place, and the houses that once stood inside the park 
limits of Bronxdale, formerly fronting on the old highway lead- 
ing from the ford, used afterwards to stand with their backs to 
Boston Road, and the effort to make a front out of a rear 
prospect often resulted in the most striking effects. 

The New York Zoological Park has only to be seen to be 
appreciated. It is located in what was the old Lydig estate, 
and many thanks are due to the Lydigs for their thouglitfulness 
in leaving the great forest trees that add so much to its pictur- 
esqueness and beauty. Before the Zoological Park was laid out, 
I have often driven through these dense woods, following noth- 
ing but a scracely perceptible trail. When the snows fell, and I 
had to rely on the trees themselves as guides, urging the horse 
over the hard crust, I felt that I must indeed be miles and miles 
away from New Y'ork City's sights and sounds. 

No attempt will be made to describe the animals ; the crowds 
that visit the park are best qualified to do that, from the huge 
Kadiak bear of Alaska down to the diminutive prairie dogs 
whose tiny heads appear at the entrance of their burrows, looking 
every way to scent any possible danger. 

If we follow up the Boston Road, above the ancient fording 
place, a few steps will bring us to one of the glacial curiosities, a 
round hole worn in the solid rock by the ice as it passed, cen- 
turies ago, over this region. Descending the hill, over the bridge 
across the Bron.x, from which one of the loveliest prospects of the 
river can be obtained, one comes to the old-fashioned hamlet of 
Bronxdale. This unique settlement was styled "The Bleach" 
as the Boltons had extensive bleacheries there, which were re- 
moved to West Farms after the city stepped in and bought the 
property for a park. Old Mr. Bolton was entitled "the Patriarch 
of the Bleach," and there were many quaint cottages built in the 
English fa.shion and populated "with its curious stock of Lan 
cashire folk." One of tliese, with its low sloping roof and 
whitened walls, standing at the intersection of Pelham Parkway 
and Snuff Mill Lane, reminds the spectator quite forcibly of the 
lower town of old Quebec. 

Gone are all the Bleach Mills and the queer houses that 
sheltered their employees. In the mind's eye, one can see the 
pleasing image made by their picturesque appearance and tall, 
tapering chimneys, mirrored in the clear waters of the Bronx. 
The solid old Bolton homestead, once standing on a lane of its 
own, just south of Pelham Parkway, was aljout two years ago 
razed to the ground. .\ very large, thirty-room gray stone 
house, erected by James Bolton, the "Patriarch," in 1820, it was 
so well built that dynamite was actually required to destroy it. 
Several jf the tiny, diamond-shaped beveled-glass window panes 
were still in the house at the time of its destruction, and it 
seems a great pity that such a substantial building could not 
have been preserved as city property. 

Bronx Park, properly speaking, consists of but one hundred 
and fifty acres. Y'et the official statement is that it comprises 
661 acres. This is explained by the fact that the one hundred 
and fifty acres lie between the Zoological Park and the Botani- 
cal Garden, and are reserved strictly and entirely for park pur- 
poses. 

The magnificent Lorillard estate might indeed deserve a 
whole chapter, but we can spare but a few word^ for it. When 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



47 



old Pierre Lorillard built his great stone mansion, now used as 
the Forly-first Precinct Police Station, and shortly to be given 
up to the uses of those connected with the park, he certainly 
"builded better than he knew." I have been all over the great 
house, then deserted, and have admired the elegant but plain 
style that characterizes the Lorillard buildings. Some say the 




Lorillard Snuft M.ll. Bronx Park 

house has sixty rooms, others assert that it contains ninety. 
From a careful outside scrutiny of all its various extensions and 
wings, one might easily think the latter estimate correct. 

A little to the southeast are the Lorillard private stables, in 
appearance far more resembling a picturesque chapel than a 
stable. Old Mr. Lorillard's famous "Acre of Roses," with 
whose fragrant petals he used to perfume his snuff, has been 
transformed into the beautiful "Old Fashioned Flower Garden." 
with its glittering green houses and brilliant blossoms, its nar- 
row roads and artistic stone grottos. This lovely nook is one of 
the gems of the Botanical Gardens. 

South of this we come to the famous Lorillard Snuff Mill, 
with its thick stone walls, standing on the very brink of the 
river. It is now a general store house and work shop for the 
Park Department, but when I visited it a few years ago, the old 
water wheels and other machinery were still in distinct evidence. 
Still south of this stood another older wooden mill with a tall 
chimney, now destroyed. A splendid macadamized road leads 
northward from tTiis old Snuff Mill, close to the river's bank. 
This tine roadway is built directly over the long sluiceway that 
in times past led the waters to the mill and enabled Mr. Lorillard 
to gain fame and fortune out of his investment. Evidently this 
romantic place was once used for rowing, as I have seen the 
remains of steps, probably used to descend to row-boats when 
the estate was in its glory. 

Following this road you hear the distant rumble of the 
"Lorillard Falls," after you have passed through perhaps the 
most picturesque portion of the whole park — the "Gorge." Here 
the Bronx River dashes through a narrow, rock-bound chasm, 
the walls of which tower in some places to the height of nearly one 
hundred feet. At the northern end, almost feeling the dash 
of the spray from the falls, stood what was called the "Studio." 
a most romantic little building, with Gothic windows, set with 
diamond-shaped panes. A studio it might indeed have been, and 



none could have been more delightfully located, but from the large 
tanks contained in its basement and from its vicinity to the 
water, it has always seemed to me to have more likely been a 
picturesque laundry. I took a photograph of it one afternoon 
and as it was before the bridge was built and also while there 
was a sluiceway on the easterly shore, I was obliged to scramble 
down the steep rocks of the "Gorge," and have the camera 
lowered to me afterwards. But when they destroyed this beauti- 
ful "Studio" I felt as if my labors had not been in vain. 

High above the falls, on the west shore of the river, and 
covering a large area, is the great Forest Congress known as 
"The Hemlocks." One is instantly struck with the want of 
underbush, so prevalent in these woods in general. But this 
serves only to make "The Hemlocks" more beautiful. In sum- 
mer they are grand ; hardly a ray of sunshine can penetrate 
through the dense mass of branches. But in winter, when the 
snow lies deep on the ground and clings to each individual twig, 
often weighing the lower ones to the ground, the effect is in 
deed wonderful. Woe betide the unhappy person that happens 
lo be underneath when a sudden wind shakes the branches. He 
is apt to emerge from "The Hemlocks" looking for all the 
world like a perfect snow man. 

You are now in the midst of the beautiful Botanical Gar- 
dens. Passing through the many trails that the Lorillards laid 
out through this entrancing wilderness, and following the ser- 
pentine "Beaver Swamp Road," one comes to the magnificent 
Botanical Museum, with its splendid approach, built of snow 
white stone. A little below this rise the charming crystal domes 
of the "Glass House," with its wealth of palms. An idea of 
the size of this building may be obtained when we realize that 
the total floor area is nearly one acre. Its length reaches over 




Lorillard Studio, Bronx Park 

five hundred feet, while the great central dome is over eighty 
feet high. Taken all in all, it is a veritable glimpse of fairy 
land, especially so when the sun is redecled from the polislied 
glass surfaces, and shining roofs. 

They are building a bridge just beyond the lake thai lies 
east of "The Hemlocks" and north of that romantic path on the 
east shore of the Bronx, known very fitly as "Lovers' Lane." 
Above h;re a densely shaded roadway leads through the upper 
part of the park, past a second new bridge, to Williamsbridge. 



^^ 



CHAPTER XVII 



THE BRONX ABOVE BRONX PARK 



Source of the Bronx — The "Hermitage" — "Washington's Gun House — Indian Rock — Valentine Farm House — 

Woodlawn Cemetery — Adelina Patti's House 



"More artists yet? More writers yet? Even so, oh, Bronx 
the long suffering! How many of the trihe have already come 
unto you and sketched you and painted you in oils and water 
colors, and written poems and rhapsodies upon you? Better 
count the brown leaves on the floor of the hemlock grove or the 
bubbles that sparkle and lireak bencatli the falls." 



west shore of the Bronx, and finally pouring its waters intj the 
Williamsbridge Reservoir. 

A story is told that when the embankment at West Farms 
was constructed to raise the waters for the use of Lydig's Mills, 
it had to be so high as to form the artificial lake that extended for 
al)out a mile, even under tlie bridge at Bronxdale. Then, whm 




A Scene on 

How many have asked : "Where is tlie source of the 
Bronx?" On the slopes of Bear Ridge, near Pleasantville, there 
is said to be a single spring that sends one-third of its flow to 
form the Bronx, one-third to swell the Byram and the remaining 
third through Dark Valley into Kisco River and the Croton. 
At Kensico the long aqueduct commences, commonly known as 
the "pipe line," reaching from the Kensico Reservoir, along the 



Bron.^ River 

Mr. Bolton wanted water power for his own niills, he was 
compelled to build a dam sufiiciently high to throw the waters 
back so far as to interfere with Mr. Lorillard's plans and ideas. 
This l)eautiful stretch of water is known as Silver Lake. Mr. 
Lorillard. after surveying the situation, adopted another course. 
He built his mill at a sufficient distance from his house, and 
then erected the long mill race that, as we have seen, forms such 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



49 



a delightful driveway. But all these three mill owners had no 
doubt their own secret opinion of each other. 

There is one spot that should be in Bronx Park, but is in- 
stead just above it. This is the "Hermitage," and is described 
as an indispensable appendage to the charms of Bronx Park. 
He who knows Bronx Park, it is said, must also know the 
Hermitage, or find his knowledge sorely incomplete. No doubt 
you have seen it from the windows of the train half a hundred 
times — a plain little cottage with gable ends, and a lot of lat- 
ticed summer-houses grouped around it. High on the peak of 
the house a flag flies, standing out flat and stiff, though not a 
breath of air is blowing. No wonder; it is not an ordinary 
flag, but one of stiff, solid metal, that at all times flaunts to 
earth and sky its colors. With the table cloth snowy white, 
the china spotlessly clean and the fare such as would satisfy an 
epicure, one who knows has said that he who cannot regale 
himself with satisfaction and keen delight at this quaint out-of- 
the-way spot, nor appreciate the beauty of the Bronx River 
flowing at his very feet, had better betake himself elsewhere. 

In speaking of this river, a writer has said : 

"The Bronx is a river that requires a special education for 
its navigation. It winds, it twists, it turns, it doubles upon it- 
self, it spreads out into a pond, it contracts to a mere thread of 
water; in fact it is the most capricious and absurd little water- 
course on the face of the civilized globe!" 

Then this author goes on to quote : 

"Kee ay ploorong, Mahree? 




Washington Gun House 

"Mais, m'sieu, c'est Toto qui pleure, parce qu'il a tviste la 
tail a la chatte, et puis papa lui a fetchee des gifles." 

He also adds: "That's what the beautiful language of France 
conies to on the banks of the winding Bronx I" 

On the westerly side of the Bronx, just above McLean 
.\venue, stands one of the curiosities of the region — the old 
Hyatt homestead, otherwise known as Washington's Gun House. 
Its remarkably quaint appearance, at an oblique angle to the 
present streets, at once attracts the observer. On an old map 
it is close to Hyatt's Lane, an early thoroughfare that ran through 
this region. 

"You can see its sides are [lunctured by bullets fireil by the 
buys during the Revolution," was what the old resident told me, 
while showing me through his antique abode. "Here it was that 
General Washington stored his guns, and this is why that place 
over there" — pointing to the heights on the other side of the 
Bronx — "was called Washingtonville." 

Perhaps the most curious place of all was the unique "smoke 
room." on the western side of the old house. The stove pipe 
from the kitchen stove, we learned, did not lead into the great 
fire-place. It discharged its smoke into an intervening chamber 
known as the "smoke room," in which the hams were thoroughly 
smoked up (as also were we) before the fumes found their way 



to the immense chimney. It was one way of accomplishing the 
purpose, but rather a strange one. A friend who visited the old 
place a short lime ago told me that he found the old "smoke 
room" had entirely disappeared, and that the kitchen was en- 
larged and the big fireplace opened directly from it. 

An ancient resident was recently visited who told many 
tales of this section as he remembered it, years ago. In his early 
boyhood this whole region was literally a wilderness, it being 
asserted that beyond the Van Cortlandt Mansion the dwellings, 
as far as the eye could see from the highest point of land, 
could easily be counted on one's fingers. 

"Wall, young feller, when I was a boy the only roads 'round 
here were the Mile Square Road and Gun Hill Road, and if we 
wanted to get across the Bronx and didn't care to go way up 
to Hunt's Bridge, why we pulled off our boots, if we had any, 
and waded across the Bronx near Indian Rock. 

"Where is Indian Rock, do you say? Why, young feller, 
that is the big flat rock near the Harlem Railroad, just across 
there opposite the old Hyatt Homestead, and I am sorry to see 
the old house going to pieces. But those New York people don't 
place any vally on these old-timers. 

"We used to skate a good deal on the Bronx when the old 
mill dam backed the water way up to Hunt's Bridge (they call 
it West Mount Vernon now) and we had a good stretch of ice 
to spread ourselves on. I was as much to hum on the ice as old 
1 lyatt's ducks was on the water. 

"Ill the thick woods where the receiving vault of Woodlawn 
Cemetery is now, was our meeting place for a race on the 
Bronx, because there was a good cider cellar there, and we'd 
have a couple o' hookers 'fore we'd go for a spin. Our skating 
was done moonlight nights and Sundays. The only church was 
old St. Paul's at Eastchester, and that was a leetle too far to 
walk, unless we was fortunate enough to have farmers' daughters 
to escort. And when the old coach came rumbling twice a week 
from Harlem over Cole's Bridge on the way to Bedford we boys 
used to get together at Barker's to get the news from the city, 
and when I look back to those times I can't help thinking how 
the present generation would have laughed at our gawkiness !" 

■The eld Valentine farm house, which according to this au- 
thority, stood where the receiving vault of the beautifully laid out 
Woodlawn Cemetery is to-day, never dreamed that it would be 
in the midst of New Y''ork City's most popular burying place. 
About 1863 inquiries were made in regard to the various owners 
of the farms, and to-day the heavy growth of timber has yielded 
to the skill of the landscape gardener, and we have a fine resting 
place for the dead, where are 66,000 interments, including many 
of the country's most illustrious heroes, such as David Glascoe 
Farragut and Lieutenant De Long. This latter's body, with those 
of his comrades, was brought from the Arctic regions and in- 
terred on Chapel Hill Avenue. Two of the handsomest mauso- 
leums are those of Jay Gould, said to be the finest in this coun- 
try, and modelled after the Parthenon at Athens, and that of 
Collis P. Huntington. Nor must we omit to mention the large 
plot on "Rutgers Avenue, filled with bodies from the cemetery 
of the old Rutgers Street Church, all the tombstones being laid 
flat on the ground. 

Woodlawn Cemetery is fast becoming the pride of the metro- 
polis, so many and so splendid are its monuments. While the 
opening of Webster Avenue did away with the pretty little lake 
near the northeastern entrance, yet the $20,000 station of the 
Harlem Railroad is certainly a decided improvement and one 
that has come to stay. 

Located in the very northernmost portion of the Borough of 
the Bronx is a place associated with one of the world's foremost 



50 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



prima donnas, Adelina Patti. It was early in the fifties that her 
father and mother, brother and sisters came to the shores of 
America, eventually moving to Wakefield or Washingtonville. 
On a site across the Bronx from the old Hyatt homestead, on 
the corner of what is now Matilda Street and Becker Avenue. 
Mr. Patti purchased a plot of ground, erecting on it a two-story 
brick house, with a piazza in front. He is described as having 
been a tall man with intensely black eyes, never being seen without 
a black cap which had the appearance of being much too small 
for his Iiead. The house where Patti enjoyed her childhood 



days is :till standing at date of writing. She was a slim young 
girl of perhaps nine years when her family moved to Wakefield. 
"She was usually bareheaded, with curls flying about in the wind 
as she skipped through the fields as light as a bird, and her 
little feet seemed made only for dancing. The hands which 
have since sparkled with precious stones to the value of half a 
million dollars, in every country on our globe, at that time patted 
the brown earth into shape with supreme unconsciousness of the 
future." Indeed it is true, as some one has said: "There is not 
a corner of our Bronx where some noted person has not lived !" 




3otanical Museum in Broiut Park 



CHAPTER XVIII 



EDENWALD 



Seton Falls — Indian Hiding Place — Indian Fortifications — Seton Cave — Seton Mansion 



"Oh, give me a home 'mid the vales of rare Edenwald; 
No parks formed by man with thy woodlands compare ; 
Nor fountains e'er built or exquisitely chiseled. 
Equals old Seton Falls, 'mid the green bowers there." 



to visit the lovely glades of the section known as Edenwald, lying 
between Eastchester, Mount Vernon and Woodlawn. 

What other park in our vast city can boast of a double silvery 
cascade like that of Seton Falls, wbere, in their rocky defile, 




Not s(i long ago a friend from the South said she did not 
know that there were any woods in New York City. Outside of 
the park lands there is no more convincing argument of tlie 
presence of dense forests, right in our great metropolis, than 



Seton Falls Cave 

one can not but liken tiieir beautiful spray to the celebrated 
Bridal Veil of the Yoscmite? Where can one find a more 
mysterious "Indian Hiding Place," just below the falls, with its 
narrow opening through which several men can creep, one at a 



52 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



time, and remain as completely hidden from any pursuers as 
though thousands of miles away? 

A short distance below, in a strange and curious rock-bound 
semi-circle, half natural, half wrought by the hand of man, are 
the celebrated "Indian Fortifications." To crouch down and 
hide behind these is to command, without being seen, a perfect 
watch on any enemy trying to steal up the narrow gorge through 
which flows Rattlesnake Brook in its descent through the dense 
mass of foliage. 

And the cave — what words are able to describe its unique 
wonders? Picture to yourself an immense cavern in a precipi- 
tous ledge of rock, large enough to form a whole room, indeed 
perhaps two rooms, of our up-to-date flats. Into this cave I 
found it an easy matter to lead a large horse, turn him around 
and pose him for his photograph. The remnants of many a 
fire are distinct evidence that it is a favorite nook for picnic 
parties. Weary of the constant roar of this double cascade of 
Rattlesnake Brook and possibly apprehensive of the approach 
of a band of stealthy Indian ghosts from their "Hiding Place,'' 
no doubt many visitors have selected the depths of the cave 
as a safe recess to kindle a cheery fire and eat their luncheon. 



Emerging from this cave, you are in the midst of the forest 
primeval. I remember once asking a man how he thought tlic 
cave came to be there. His answer was : "It was growmg 
there!" 

On one side of the cave is a narrow flight of stone steps. 
Iniilt into the solid wall, leading directly behind old "Seton Hall," 
on the grounds of which I have seen a most strange, vault-like 
cavern. This old-fashioned, squarely-built "Seton Hall" stands 
on the site of the ancient Seton mansion, long since destroyed. 
In appearance it resembles very strongly the old Hamilton 
Grange, the former residence of Alexander Hamilton, on Con- 
vent Avenue, Manhattan. This whole area of beautiful Eden- 
wald is one of the most enjoyable woodland nooks in our entire 
borough, even rivalling Bron.x Park's glades in its wonderful 
lieauiy. 

"Just give me a cottage near the old Seton Mansion, 
Surrounded by trees and by Nature's sweet lawn ; 
Where the fall of the waters will hush me to slumber 
And the song-bird's sweet lay will awake me at dawn.' 




A Boat Club Scene on the Harlem 



CHAPTER XIX 



PELHAM BAY PARK 



Anne Hutchinson— Thomas Pell Haunted Cedar Knoll— Glover's Rock— Battle of Pell's Point— Old Ferris House 



"New York wants and should have immediately a grand 
park with a water front on Long Island Sound ; one which should 
he the people's own, a resort for picnics and excursions, a place 
where they could enjoy the pleasures of hoating, bathing, fishing, 
riding, etc." Such were the words in the petition of the act 
under which Pelham Bay Park was formed. The Commission 
in part reports: "A large park on Long Island Sound, well 
situated and picturesque, accessible both by land and by water, 
swept by the healthful breezes of each, a park which may be 
approached by steamboats and all manner of vessels, where the 
people can roam in freedom, well shaded by native trees, seems 
as necessary to our city, as it is to be at the same time so beauti- 
ful, original and heaUhful." 

As a result we now have this beautiful park, in area 1,756 
acres, including picturesque rock-bound bays and inlets, with a 
shore line of over nine miles, including land which is simply 
unsurpassed by any park in the world for purposes of public 
recreation. One portion, with an extent of over four hundred 
acres, reaches out into the Sound in the form of a peninsula, 
"presenting a picture of great beauty and diversity. Along the 
shore line of this park are large tracts of woodland, abounding 
in stately trees centuries old, forming natural groves, which 
were formerly the spacious grounds of some of our wealthy 
residents." 

With the risk of repeating what has been already said 
about these early residents, we may mention that this region was 
purchased from the Indians in 1639 and named "Vreeland," or 
the "Land of Peace." On the Hutchinson River, or Eastchester 
Creek, not far from Split Rock, was the dwelling and plantation 
formerly referred to, of the noted Anne Hutchinson. When 
the Puritans, who had banished her from New England, learned 
of her death, they remarked that "the Lord hath made a woful 
example of a wicked woman !" 

In the year 1654, Thomas Pell became one of the first sel- 
lers. For the large tract that he purchased from the Indians, he 
paid: "2 gunns, 2 kettles, 2 coats, 2 adzes, 2 shirts, i barrel of 
cider and C bitts of money." One version is that the immense 
oak tree under which Lord Pell signed his treaty with the 
Indians is still standing, as strong and vigorous as ever in front 
of the great stone Bartow mansion, to the northeast of Bartow 
Station. The other version is that the old tree is now destroyed, 
and that a well known and prominent gentleman in New Rochelle 
has a small portion of this tree as a souvenir. According to the 
first authority, the Society of the Daughters of the Revolution 
erected a fence around the tree and placed a suitable inscription 
upon it. 

Passing to a few interesting ghost stories, we inay relate the 
following: 

"If you want to see the most awful ghosts you can possibly 



imagine," advised an old woman, who had lived all her days in 
Pelham, "you must wail until the moon is full and then hide 
yourself near the "Haunted Cedar Knoll.'" 

"And where is this haunted place?" she was asked. 

•'You know the Boston Post Road. I guess it runs clear 
through to old Boston. Well, the Pelham Priory is on that 
road — it's the finest old house hereabouts. Just across from 
the Priory is a knoll covered with rocks and cedar trees. That's 
the place." 

"Have you ever seen ghosts there?" 

"Sure, certain, I seen them. I was a young girl then, and 
that was a long time ago. It was so frightful that I never 
dared go back again. They were Indian ghosts, you see, and 
their cries and yells just made your blood stop running. 

"Yes, there was some wind, but I know what sort of noises 
the wind can make. Nothing like those I heard. There were 
more than a score of them, and they had no heads, unless you 
count the heads which they were carrying in their hands, which 
couldn't have been of much use to them. They formed in a big 
ring and began to dance. First each headless ghost danced by 
himself. Then they threw the heads in the centre of the ring 
and danced around them. After they got tired they picked up 
the heads again — I've always wondered if some of them might 
have picked up the wrong heads — and in a minute they were 
gone. All that I saw, myself ! 

"My grandmother told me how the Indians came to haunt 
the cedars, but I can't swear it's the true story. Once there 
were two tribes that were very good friends — the Siwanoys and 
the Laaphawachkins— at least that's what the names sounded 
like. One of the Si's killed one of the Laapshaws in a quarrel. 
Then the Laapshaws robbed some of the Si's graves in return. 
So there was a bloody feud. They fought a deadly battle on 
the knoll, and the Laapshaws were all dead. The others cut ofif 
their heads and left them there for the squaws to bury— and that 
is the whole story." 

The Phantom Fire Ship plays an important part in the early 
legends of Pelham, although this mysterious craft is said to 
have been seen at various places along the Sound from Hell 
Gate to Gardiner's Island. 

Below is the thrilling Pelham account: 
"When the buccaneers infested the Sound they captured a 
ship, and leaving a big white horse aboard, tied to the foremast, 
set fire to it and sailed away. Strange to say, the fire burned 
without smoke and without destroying anything. It even burned 
life into the murdered crew-, enabling them to move about the 
decks. The horse alone was frightened, and sparks flew as he 
pawed at the foremast. 

"When the fiercest storms blow, this remarkable craft is 
driven here and there with the wind, leaving behind a trail of 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH " 



55 



sparks. Even the waves dash back from her red-hot sides, and 
for the moment are turned to tiame. The tiery sailors run about 
the decks and even chmb into the rigging, which is the color 
of molten iron." 

Such is the account of the Fire Phantom that was seen when 
the old residents were boys, and which, unfortunately, the later 
comers have never been able to behold. 

Crossing the old Pclham Bridge over Hutcliinson River, a 
half mile's walk brings us to Bartow Station and the City Island 
Road. If we turn dow-n this ancient highway we shall, after a 
series of windings, reach the new bridge that spans the waters to 
City Island, but our attention is first arrested by a gigantic 
bowlder on the right, adorned with a prominent tablet. It reads 
thus: 

GLOVER'S ROCK. 

In memory of the 550 patriots, who, led by Colo- 
nel John Glover, held General Howe's 
army in check at the 

BATTLE OF PELL'S POINT, 

October 18, 1776, 

Thus aiding General Washington in his retreat 

to White Plains. 

"Fame is the perfume of heroic deeds." 

Erected by Bronx Chapter of Mount Vernon, N. Y. 

Daughters of the American Revolution. 

October 18, 1901. 

For a goodly part of the Revolution, Westchester, the "home 
of peace," was in the very heart of the conflict. Leaving about 
two thousand troops on Manhattan Island, Lord Howe embarked 
with the remainder of his forces for Throgg's Neck. With his 
characteristic indolence, he remained here for six days, foiled 
by a mere handful of patriots under the command of Hand and 
Frescott. 

October 18, at one o'clock in the morning, saw him re- 
embark and proceed by water for Pell's Point. Here he was 
encountered by a force of the Colonials under Colonel John 
Glover. On the British side were drawn up almost the whole 
British army; on the American side were only four skeleton legi- 
inents, all from Massachusetts. Thus we have the 4,000 of the 
British against the 750 of the Americans. Glover's own regi- 
ment was variously styled the "Fishermen's" or the "Amphibious" 
regiment. 

In the diary of President Stiles of Yale College we find : 

22 October — Camp at Mile Square, 

Eastchester. 

"Friday morning the l8th we were alarmed, and the enemy 
landed at Rodman's Point, a place about four miles from our 
encampment." 

Colonel Glover thus writes : 

"I went on the hill with my glass and discovered a number 
of ships in the Sound under way (and) the (small) boats, up- 
ward of 200, all filled w'ilh troops ... I would have given a 
thousand worlds to have had General Lee or some other experi- 
enced officer present to direct or at least approve." He adds : 
"It was very lucky that he acted without orders (for) the 
enemy had stole a march one and a half miles on us." 

The resistance at Pell's Point, says some one, was char- 
acterized by a pertinacity of purpose and a stubbornness of hand- 



to-hand fighting which kept Washington's main army practically 
intact. The correct location of the scene of battle is determinable 
by two widely separated points — the bridge over the Hutchinson 
River and Glover's Rock. The first is identified by the allusion 
of Colonel Glover to a "run of water," and to the bridge planks 
taken up in the morning. The short piece of road from Wolf's 
Lane to the bridge is low now and might well have been a cause- 
way in 1776. Well attested tradition identifies Glover's Rock, 
as do the cannon balls found there when the street railway was 
being constructed. 

The advance guard of only forty men succeeded in holding 
the British in check until Glover "disposed his own men to ad- 
vantage," behind trees and stone walls, all the time pouring a 
fierce and effective fire on the advancing Redcoats. 

Thus the unequal battle was kept up for practically all day. 
After several hours the patriot forces were forced to retire by the 
overwhelming numbers of the enemy. In the morning, while 
waiting for the British to appear, after their advance guard had 
fallen back towards the main body, our men were waiting sadly 
for their breakfast, their hunger being whetted by the sharp 
October air. 

According to Draper it required three minutes to load, prime 
and aim the flint-lock musket. President Stiles says : "Our 
men behaved like soldiers, conformed to the orders of their 
officers, and retreated in grand order. It is said that once one 
of our men leaped over the wall and took a hat and canteen from 
a captain who lay dead on the ground they had retreated from. 
This captain, we read, was a member of the "King's Own" 
regiment, and was not killed, as stated, but fatally wounded. 

"Our troops were as calm and as steady as though expecting 
a shot at a flock of pigeons. When the general (Glover) gave 
orders to retreat, it was obeyed with the greatest possible re- 
luctance.' 

As the Shore Road was not in existence at that time, there 
must have been some connection between the City Island Road 
and the Split Rock Road. Along this roadway the Americans 
retreated, pouring volley after volley into the advancing English 
lines. The heavy "Tower" muskets, the long squirrel rifles and 
the light fowling pieces are all called into service. They march 
slowly up the Split Rock Road, along Wolf's or Collins' Lane, 
where the ground is much to the advantage of the retreaters. 
They pass the Pell, or Hay House, crossing the Hutchinson 
River, where they are compelled to wade, the flooring having 
been torn away. 

Clambering up they are on the rocky heights beyond, re- 
joining the comrades of Glover's regiment, who come to their 
assistance with their artillery, the British being brought to a 
stop by the heavy firing from the field pieces. 

In this, which has been styled the most important action of 
the year, the Americans lost only six killed, while twenty were 
wounded. The Redcoats' loss is variously estimated at between 
800 and 1,000. Such was the resistance of Colonel Glover that 
Howe made no effort to cross the stream. According to Colonel 
Glover: "After fighting all day without victuals or drink, we 
lay all night, the heavens above us and the earth beneath us, 
which was all we had, having left our baggage at the old encamp- 
ment we left in the morning." 

The next day they were forced to continue the retreat to 
Mile Square, well knowing that the delay they had caused to 
Howe was immensely valuable to Washington, who was enabled 
to reach White Plains by the 25th. Had it not been for the 
gallantry of Glover, they might have effectively intercepted Wash- 
ington in his march northward, with dire results to him. 

We may quote for a moment from Lee's orders : 



56 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



"Mile Square, Oct. 19, 1776. 
"Gen'l Lee returns his warmest thanks to Colonel Glover 
and the Brigade under his command, not only for their gallant 
behaviour yesterday, but for their prudent, cool, orderly and 
soldierly conduct in all respects ... All the wounded to be 
immediately sent to Valentine's Hill at the second Liberty Pole, 
where Surgeons should repair to dress them. " 

From Washington came the following: 

"Headquarters. Oct. 21, 1776. 
"General Orders. 
"The hurried situation of the General the last two days 
having prevented him from paying that attention to Colonel 
Glover and the officers and soldiers who were with him in the 
skirmish on Friday last, their merit and good behaviour deserved, 
he flatters hiinself that his thanks though delayed will neverthe- 
less be acceptable to them as they are offered with great sin- 
cerity and cordiality." 



Earthworks had been thrown up on the place where the Presby- 
terian Church now stands, and the old mill by the creek had been 
fortified. The British were repulsed and what would have 
been a serious set-back to the .^.tnerican cause was prevented. 

"Had Lord Howe realized that by isolating this portion of 
the Colonial army he could have prevented its joining the main 
army at W illiamsbridge, it is safe to say he would never have 
takL-n his twenty-eight boat-loads of Hessians to New Rochelle. 
.^s it was, Washington was enabled to join the two armies, and 
the patriots still had a fighting chance. The ruins of the old 
mill are still to be seen, and it is to be hoped that some day a 
fitting memorial will be placed to commemorate this battle of 
Westchester Creek." 

Leaving this region for the present and returning to Pel- 
ham Bay Park we may note the Pell family burying ground, 
close to the Bartow mansion. Cut into the granite posts are 
the following inscriptions : 




PcII Burying Ground 



According to one authority Lord Howe was using as his 
headquarters the old stone and wood farmhouse, now destroyed, 
at the extreme end of Clason's Point. Others say that he 
lodged at the I'erris house, situated in what is now known as 
the Westchester Country Club grounds. 

"While the family was at breakfast on October 12. 1776," we 
read, "the British troops disembarked, and Lord Howe and his 
officers rode up to the house. Into the house rode the company, 
some of the officers even attempting to ride up the stairs. The 
hoofmarks of the horses are still to be seen in the hall and on 
the staircase (the present owner having laid a hardwood floor 
over the old one.) The wife of James Ferris, as she enter- 
tained these enemies, conveyed news of their plans to Washing- 
ton, part of whose army was encamped on the other side of 
Westchester Creek. This information was procured by her color- 
ed butler, who waited on them at table. Consequently when the 
British gave battle they found that the Colonials were prepared. 



Post No. I— Royal Patent, Oct. 6, 1666, Duke of York to 
Thomas Pell, First Lord of the Manor. 

Post No. 2 — Indian Grant of Pelham Manor to Thomas 
Pell, November 14, 1654. 

Post No. 3 — Royal Patent, October 25, 1687, James 11. to 
John Pell, Second Lord of the Manor. 

Post No. 4— Pelham Bay Park, 1884. Erected 1891 by de- 
scendants of Benjamin Pell, grandson of Thomas Pell, Third 
Lord of the Manor. 

In intaglio, on each post is the crest of the Pell family, a 
"Pelican Gorged." On two old headstones we find these in- 
scriptions : 



Her Lyes 

ISEC PELL 

D. Dec. 14 NO 1748- 




^ 



'^?^^^^^^c-c^ CX^h--t:^^^y^--zn^-^^ 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



57 



Is Her 

the body of 

Joseph Pell 

Eged 31 

D 1752. 



The other graves are those of Susannah, wife of Benjamin 
Drake, who died in 1763; Phoebe, widow of Joseph Pell, who 
died in 1790; Salom Pell, who died when one year old, in 1760, 
and John, son of James and Phoebe Bennett. The larger stone 
within the enclosure was erected in 1762 and is inscribed : 

"This stone is placed here in token of respect for the mem- 
ory of . . . several of the descendants of John Pell, who was 
born in the year 1643 and died in the year 1700 .... the 
nephew of Thomas Pell, the first proprietor of the Lordship and 
Manor of Pelham, born in the year 1603 and died in the year 
1669." 

In regard to this little graveyard, David Pell Secor says : 
"There were other interments there some forty years ago, when I 
visited the farm of Robert Bartow, in Pelham, and I am sorry 
to say I found the graves of some of the Pell family ploughed 
up and the headstones set up against a stone wall in the field 
where the graves were. Others of the Pell family are buried on 
City Island, in New Rochelle, and in St. Paul's Churchyard in 
Eastchester, as well as in Greenwood Cemetery and in New 
York City." 

The old roadway that extends from Pelham Road north- 
westerly towards Prospect Hill, is known as the Split Rock Road 




PcU Mansion 

or Collins Lane. It was along this that the Americans retreated, 
as we have seen, making their last stand at the Split Rock itself. 
On the other side of the lane stands the old Collins Mansion, or 
Joshua Pell House, pre-Revolutionary in its date. Many a de- 
licious meal have I enjoyed in its old-fashioned dining room, and 
I regret most deeply to see the ancient place falling to pieces. 

Traces of this old lane are visible even through the streets 
of Prospect Hill. Undoubtedly Wolf's Lane is a continuation 
of the same along which the Revolutionists retreated. At the 
foot of the hill is the finest Pell Mansion of all, now remodelled 
and modernized. Around it rises a splendid collection of magnifi- 
cent pine trees, shading the ancient columns on either side of 
the doorway and the unique lattice work forming a pretty 
balcony just above. On the opposite side is plainly visible the 



elegant coat of arms of the Pell family, set firmly in the stone 
wall, "Pelican Gorged." 

.Another old mansion, close to the corner of Wolf's Lane 
and Boston Road, one of the most attractive residences of 
Secor Hill, is also declared to have been the home of one of 
the Pells. One account is that, while his troops were slowly 
but surely driving the patriots before them. Lord Howe and his 
officers lunched within its walls. To have the British officers 
on the place was bad enough, but when they seized on the very 
last turkey of the people living there, it became too much for 
human nature to bear. 

According to one of the documents of the City History Club, 
this lunch was eaten in the golden shade of what even then must 
have been a group of grand old chestnuts. A well known his- 
torian visited this spot with me in the spring of 1902, and pointed 
out a magnificent chestnut, whose boughs have, many of them, 
fallen off since then, the tree being one of the largest of its 
kind to be found north of the mountains of Tennessee. Standing 
quite close to the original Boston Post Road, it is not far from 
the large stone Pell Mansion. On the morning of October 23, 
1776, so this authority tells us, this section witnessed probably 
the finest military pageant which it ever beheld. Howe, about 
to pursue Washington towards White Plains had decked his 
troops in their very best Sunday uniform. The Hessians under 
Knyphausen were clad in green, making a pleasing contrast to the 
bright scarlet of the British. Perliaps 10,000 men were drawn 
up for this review. 

When the sun reached the noon mark in the clear heavens, 
the party stopped for lunch under the branches of this "Howe 
Chestnut," and as has been aptly expressed, "well may we hope 
that the pleasantry of this occasion, to which so many prominent 
Loyalists had been invited, was not marred by the lack of man- 
ners of Count 'Von Knyphausen, who, though a gallant general, 
was a trifle deficient in table etiquette." 

A curious fact comes from the same source. In the au- 
tumn of 1876 two gentlemen were talking over these historic 
events under the same old tree, just a century after Howe and 
his comrades feasted beneath its spreading branches. Drawing 
an immense pistol, one of the men said : 

"This is the weapon carried by my grandfather while with 
General Howe when they lunched under these very trees. Now 
I want to present you with this derringer as a memento of the 
anniversary of that parade." 

The Pelham Manor House, about whose site many questions 
have been asked me, is said to have stood not far from the present 
Bartow Mansion, although another authority places its site at 
the extreme end of Pelham Neck. One of the grandest marine 
prospects can be seen close to that fine old stone homestead, the 
Ogden Mansion, on Twin Islands. To reach it one has to pass 
between the white stone gates on the road leading towards New 
Rochelle, and pass over Hunter's Island. On the crest of this 
picturesque spot is located the old Iselin Mansion, supposed 
to have been erected by Mr. Hunter, after whom the island 
was named. In 1800 we know it was the property of a Mr. 
Henderson, a surgeon in the British army. On the southeast side 
of this island stands the sentinel "Mishow," a great Indian rock, 
and on the east is the "Gray Mare," also a well known boulder. 

About 1885, so we arc told, there were two persons still 
living, one in New Rochelle, who heard the cannonade, and the 
other in Pelham, who witnessed the firing between the American 
gunboats and the British warships in an engagement which took 
place off Pelham and New Rochelle in August, 1814. What 
saved the Americans was their superior knowledge of the many 
rocks and reefs hereabouts. 



58 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



The story is extant that one of the Schuylers, who resided mg in and out of these dangerous reefs, ran full on a large 

at Pelham, was upset in his boat not far from City Island. When flat rock. 

picked up by a passing craft he was calmly sitting on the bottom "Why, Captain," remonstrated the indignant rest of the 

of the boat, smoking his pipe, which in some manner he had party, "We thought you knew every rock in the Sound." 

managed to keep alight. "So I do," came the answer. "And this here is one of thi 

Another tale is related of some navigators, who while sail- very worst." 




Scenes of the Seasons in the BronjE 



CHAPTER XX 



CITY ISLAND 



Ancient Horse Cars — Marshall Mansion — City Island Bridge — General History of the Island — Macedonia Hotel 



"A gem of the Ocean." Thus is City Island described by 
the same person who goes on to state his experiences on a trip 
to the island from Bartow Station. 

" 'All aboard !' The cry struck my ear, and looking at what 
there was to board, 1 spied what I took to be a pet playthi;ig 
left by Noah on Mt. Ararat after the Flood — a sort of bo.x on 
wheels with tin geegees to pull it. This then was the car, and 
I swung aboard. We made magnificent progress, at the rate of 
at least sixteen miles in seventeen hours. About half way to 
the bridge, I was astonished to see the driver leave his horses 
to jog along by themselves and walk into the car. I thought 
he was sick and needed a rest, but no. He sang out : 'Fares, 
please,' and proceeded to collect them." 

If the same man had seen the older cars, with their single 
horse, that jogged painfully at a snail's pace, he would have 
been more than ever surprised. 



imagine you are miles away from the great City of New York 
instead of being practically in its northernmost corner. 

It is said that City Island was so named because a colony 
was settled there intended to ri\al the present City of New- 
York, then a tiny group of houses. Now what a wonderful 
difference there is ! 

If we try to seek the first inhabitants of this "Pearl of the 
Sound" we have to turn to the Sewanoe tribe of Indians, who 
occupied the shore from Hell Gate on the south as far as Nor- 
walk on the north. They are also quoted as dwelling in the 
whole country, now the eastern part of old Westchester County, 
from the source of the Croton down to the Bronx. 

Even to-day the seafaring inhabitants support themselves 
partly on what they find in the countless shells that line the 
coast. In the very same manner ib.e Indians of old made their 
living, thus giving to the spot the name of the "Islands of 




Old City Island Bridge 



But City Island ought indeed to Ije thankful. It has now 
a bridge to connect it with the main land. In early days there 
was only a ferry, nay, even so recently as i868. Close to the 
bridge stands the immense "Colonial Inn," the fine old Marshall 
Mansion, surrounded by beautifully graded lawns and shade 
trees. The old bridge, which was so narrow that even one of 
the tiny bob-tailed horsecars could scarcely pass a team, has 
been removed to make way for the much more roomy structure 
that now spans the waters. A lingering remnant of the old 
creation still remains, as if loath to leave the spot to which it 
was brought after serving as the original Harlem Bridge. 

Go down City Island's "Main Street," and you will find 
yourself transported as if to an isle in the midst of the ocean. 
Yachting and fishing are the main, indeed we might say the 
only, pursuits. Boats of every kind are drawn up on all sides. 
Almost every one you meet wears the same nautical air. You 



Shells." Before the nam? City Island was gi\en to this place, 
it was styled Minneford's or Minnefor's Island, a title supposed 
to have been derived from an old Indian Sachem who once held 
sway there. 

When witchcraft was ranked among the list of crimes, two 
unfortunate persons had sought City Island's shores as a sup- 
posedly safe refuge. But, as we are told, "the wave of fanati- 
cism which had swept through New England, reached this spot, 
and on October 2, 1665, Ralph Hall and Mary, his wife, were 
arraigned for trial at the Court of Assizes in New York, upon 
suspicion of witchcraft." We learn that they were brought to 
trial for "murder by means of witchcraft." As a result both 
pleaded not guilty, but the jury found that there was something 
"suspicious by the evidence of what the woman is charged with, 
but nothing considerable of value to take away her life. But in 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



61 



reference to tlie man we find nothing considerable to charge him 
with." 

For three dreary jears the two lived in a little hut on the 
lonely shores of "Minneford's Island." Then, finally they were 
acquitted, "there having been no direct proof of witchcraft." Ac- 
cording to the records, this was the first case of witchcraft to come 
before the authorities in the Province of New York. 

Then gradually developed the idea of founding a city on 
these shores to equal the far distant City of New York. This 
latter place seemed all very well in its way, but its location was 
far down on the lower end of Manhattan Island. Such were 
the dreams of Philip and Benjamin Palmer, who had spent 
their life from childhood's days on Throgg's Neck, opposite 
the island. Here was a spot that would completely solve the 
perplexing problem. No more risks to run in passing through 
the whirling maelstrom and dangerous rocks of Hell Gate. There 
was plenty of safe anchorage and refuge from storms. Even 
a plan, or map, was gotten out and an advertisement prepared, 



The money for building a bridge to the mainland could not 
be raised and at last the project for building a city to rival 
New York was abandoned. As for Palmer, his circumstances 
became so reduced that Aaron Burr started a subscription which 
resulted in keeping him from abject poverty until his death. 

After the completion of the iron Harlem Bridge, the original 
structure was removed to City Island, about 1873, and the old- 
fashioned ferry was at last abandoned. 

Minneford Avenue is one of the most prominent thorough- 
fares of this little island kingdom. On a side street, fronting 
the waters of the Sound, is a quaint relic of one of the prizes 
of the gallant Stephen Decatur. When I visited the spot last, 
the house had been newly painted, thus obliterating a sign which 
proclaimed in large letters the unique history of the spot. 

In the first place are the large characters "MACEDONIA 
HOTEL." On the north side is, or perhaps we had better say, 
was, this inscription : 

"This house is the remains of the English Frigate Macedonia. 




Macedonia Hotel 



showing forth in glowing terms the advantages of the place. 
Real estate began to boom. A broad avenue — now Main Street — 
was laid out and about four thousand lots were planned. Mr. 
Palmer himself was offered as high as 300 and even 1,000 pounds 
for the most desirable portions. 

Then the sky darkened. In 1776 the British fleet had ar- 
rived in New York harbor, and the island residents realized 
their extreme danger, so far away from the rest of the world. 
As for Palmer and his w'ife, they waited there a few days too 
long, and were all taken prisoners by the enemy, where he was 
"badly treated and continually refused permission to leave." 
Finally he obtained this permission, going lo New York, where 
he remained until the close of the war. 

During the Revolution, although the place was closely 
guarded by British warships, we learn with pride that the 
American whaleboats did not hesitate for a moment to dart 
out and attack the enemy, no matter what size their ships were. 

After the war. Palmer's troubles were by no means over. 
Because he had obeyed orders from some one in the King's 
service, he discovered that his land had been seized, and his peti- 
tions for the return of his possessions proved unsuccessful. 



captured on Sunda.v, October 25, by the United States Fri- 
gate United States Commanded by Cap't Stephen Decatur, U. S. 
N. The action was fought in Lat. 24' N., Long. 29' 30" W. 
That is About 600 Miles N. W. of tlie Cape de Verde Islands, 
Ofif the West Coast of Africa, and Towed to Cow Bay in 1874." 

Thus we have a striking example of a ship on dry land. 
Nay, it is not only a ship, but half ship and half house. Ninety 
odd years ago, when the old "Macedonia" was in the full glory 
of its youth as a frigate-of-war in the English Navy, sailing 
near the Canary Islands, it became a prize of war of the daring 
and intrepid Decatur. In this way one of the finest warships of 
the British Navy became the property of the L^nited States, in 
more senses than one. 

Without even a change of name, this almost new frigate 
began a most remarkable career under the stars and stripes. 
She did splendid work in battling with the Algerian pirates in 
the far distant Mediterranean. In the Mexican War she helped 
capture the stronghold of Vera Cruz, and in 1847 she aided to 
carry a most welcome cargo of food to the starving people of 
Ireland. When the Civil War broke out, the Macedonia per- 
formed noble service as a transport of troops. 



62 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



Finally in 1874 she was condemned by the government and 
towed to Cow Bay, Long Island, where an enterprising City 
Islander bought her, took her across the Sound on her last 
cruise, and erected the best part of her where she now stands. 
The inscription on her sides is said to have been obtained from 
the War Department, so it may be taken as authentic. 

A visit to the old ship is full of interest. On all sides can 

be seen the immense stanchions, bristling with the massive iron 

rings to which the ancient cannon were once fastened. The 

.roof, being the old cabin, is curved, and opening from the sides, 



like tiny cubby-holes, are the officers' staterooms. These are 
neatly furni>hed with beds, giving the place a most homelike and 
occupied air. The hooks from which the British tars and their 
American successors hung their hammocks are plainly in evi- 
dence, while in the roof can be seen the great round opening 
through which the giant mast once passed. 

Around the corner from the "Macedonia Hotel" is City 
Island's burying ground. This is said to have given to the hotel 
the name of the "Dead Quiet." 




City Island Car 



CHAPTER XXI 



THE BATTLE OF WESTCHESTER CREEK 



General Account— Extract from General Heath's Memoirs— The Old "Westchester Path— Old Milstons 



We have seen how General Howe had conveyed his army, 
after a trip up the East River and the Sound, to Throgg's Neck, 
about where tlie present Havemeyer place is situated. This was 
on October 12, 1776. In August of the same year, a portion of 
hij fleet had been sent forward to explore, and had proceeded as 
far as City Island. They embarked at Pelham Neck and were 
driven back to their ships by a detachment of the Westchester 
militia. In the first part of the next month Washington and 
Heath held a consultation at Kingsbridge. As the British 
plans were not plain. Heath took no chances. Besides forming 
a chain of videttes along the East River and Sound from Hell 
Gate to Throgg's Neck, he broke up all the roads leading to 
Kingsbridge in order to render them impassable for the British 
wagons and cannon. One strategic point he picked out — the 
causeway at Westchester wliich connected tlie mainland with 
Throgg's Neck. Here was an old mill ; the bridges over the 
sluiceway and overflow would be two advantageous points for an 
army to cross. A large pile of cordwood placed there seemed 
to form an almost natural breastwork, a number of picked rifle- 
men being placed behind. Another force was placed further up 
near the marshes. 

Fearless of danger, the British who liad landed at Throgg's 
Neck advanced towards the causeway. Almost before they were 
aware of it the planks at the old mill were ripped up, and a 
volley from behind the woodpile greeted them. "The unerring 
aim of .'\merican rifles checked the veterans of European battle 
fields, and, just as preconceived, the left flank at the head of the 
creek was attacked. Prescott. with his men who had fought at 
Bunker Hill, re-inforced the men at the woodpile and the cause- 
way." 

Earthworks were hastily thrown up liy forces near the old 
causeway, while both sides maintained a skirmish fire. Two days 
later Howe brought forward his heavy cannon, commencing 
the erection of a fortification on a large scale near where the 
Westchester Presbyterian Church now stands. After a few days 
Howe withdrew his guns and his troops, seeking to form a union 
with the Hessians near New Rochelle, a feat which was accom- 
plished, as we have seen, after the desperate struggle with Glover 
and his Marblehead regiment on Pelham Neck. 

An extract from General Heath's Memoirs shows the pains- 
taking way in which he recorded the daily events. Page 70 is as 
follows : 



Heath's Memoirs. 



Oct., 1776. 



iith — There was confiderable movement among the Britifli 
boats below. This afternoon. General Waihington's pleafure 
boats, coming down the river with a frefh breeze, and a topfail 
hoiftcd. was fuppofed. by the artillerifts at Mount Wafhington, to 
be one of the Britifh tenders running down. A 12 pounder was 



difcharged at her, which was fo exactly pointed, as unfortunately 
to kill three Americans, who were much lamented. The fame 
day, leveral of Gen. Lincoln's regiments arrived, two of which 
were pofted on the North River. 

I2th— Early in the morning 80 or 90 Britifh boats, full of 
men, ftood up the found from Montrefor's Ifland. Long-Hland. 
&c. The troops landed at Frog's Neck, and their advance pufhed 
forwards towards the cauleway and bridge at Weft-Chefcer mill. 
Col. Hand's riflemen took up the planks of the bridge, as had 
been directed, and commenced a firing with their rifles. The 
Britifh moved towards the head of the creek, but found here 
alfo the Americans in poffeffion of the pass. Our General imme- 
diately (as he had allured Col Hand he would do) ordered 
Col. Prefcott, the hero of Bunker Hill, with his regiment, and 
Capt. Lieut. Bryant of the artillery, with a 3 pounder, to re- 
inforce the riflemen at Weft-Chefter cauTeway; .... to the 
check and difappointment of the enemy. The Britifh encamped 
on the neck. The rifleiuen and Yagers kept up a fcattering popp- 
ing at each other acrofi' the marfh : and the .\mericans on thei.- 
fide. and the Briti.rli on the other, threw up a work at the end o-' 
the caufeway. Capt. Bryant, now and then, when there was an 
object, faluted the Britifh with a field-piece." 

Nowadays there are many different routes to choose from, 
in traveling from New York to New England. In days of yore 
there was but one. styled the "Old Westchester Path," leading 
from Manhattan Island, through the Bronx to Eastchester, and 
thence along the Sound through Greenwich and perhaps to 
Stamford and beyond. 

To locate this "Old Westchester Path" is indeed an herculean 
task, as almost every authority locates it differently. One thing, 
however, they all agree on, that it had its origin in an ancient 
Indian trail through the primeval forest, this early path becom- 
ing the first highway for the daring white settler. It is said that 
Kingsbridge Road, from Kingsbridge to Eastchester and beyond, 
later developed into the Boston Post Road, was laid out along 
the crooked lines of the celebrated "Old Westchester Path." 

The earliest inhabitants, both Dutch and English, were very 
familiar with its mysterious twistings and turnings long before 
such things as established villages were known. As early as 
1666 it was called "Ye Common Path." 

Its course was denoted by marked trees through the dense 
wilderness and even to-day we find maps on record showing 
these landmarks, and more than one farm is "bounded and de- 
scribed" in deeds still in existence on one side or the other by 
the "Old Westchester Path." 

A few years ago, we are told, a surveyor had occasion to 
trace out through the fields a section of the "Old Westchester 
Path." All went well at first, but soon a difliculty arose. A 
certain "white oak stump" was missing. Search as they would. 



64 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



it was nowhere to be found. The men, on the point of despair, 
were about to give up the attempt when some one of them sug- 
gested going to the other end of the survey and measuring back- 
wards. This plan was adopted and, lo ! and behold, they came 
joyfully upon the rotting remains of the white oak stump, buried 
many feet below the surface. Thus was established an import- 
firmly set against the pole, where it still reads: 

In T732 the first stage coach came rumbling along, presum- 
ably following the line of the "Old Westchester Path," on the 
"Road from Sodom to Gomorrah, which, being interpreted, 
means from Boston to New York." We learn that this coach 
was an extremely slow traveler, and was fourteen days on the 
journey, carrying the news to and fro once a month. In 1672, 
Governor Lovelace established a post which should "sett forth 
from this citty of New York monthly and thence travail to 
Boston, from -Whence within that month bee shall return again 
to this citty . '^%, ■ ■ all persons paying the post before the 
bag be sealed upT'*' 

In the days when Benjamin Franklin was Postmaster Gen- 



eral of the Colonies, he established a weekly mail, even through 
the winter months. Shortly afterwards he started out on a 
thorough tour of inspection, erecting milestones. On the various 
post roads these stones may be seen to this day, weather-beaten 
and old, which are said to have been erected by Franklin him- 
self. Following Boston Road, the tenth mile stone may be seen 
at the corner of i68th Street, against a telegraph pole. When a 
large flat was erected on this corner and the old milestone seemed 
in danger, a public spirited citizen stepped forward and had . 
firmly s3t against the pole, where it still reads: 

ID Miles 

from 
City Hall. 

Following up this old highway, the thirteenth mile stone was 
about half a mile beyond Bronxdale, but the widening of White 
Plains Road seems to have done away with it. Next comes the 
fifteenth mile stone, about half a mile this side of Eastchester, 
still standing on the west side of the ruad. 




Old Mill at West'Farms 



CHAPTER XXII 



THE DEVIL'S STEPPING STONES 



jrhe Satanic Legends — The Old Ferris Houses — The Spy Tree and Its Legends — The Paul House— Kelly's Old 
j Homestead — Thwaites' Old Homestead — "The Drovers' Inn" — The Adee Cemetery 



: One of the most fantastic legends to which this part of the 

jcountry can lay claim is known as "The Devil's Stepping Stones." 
||jiist this side of Eastchester, among the rocky fields, stands a 
lliiige boulder deeply marked with the impression of the right 
lliuman foot. Another remarkable footprint, pointing in the same 
jldirection, is to be found not far from Fort Schuyler, while still 
||a third impression can be seen across the Sound on Long Island. 
Now the key to this startling mystery lies in an old Indian tra- 
dition that the Arch Fiend in days of old set up a claim to this 
|| section of what was then Westchester County as his own special 
^property. Beaten at last by the Indians, he was compelled to 
imake a hasty retreat, leaping easily from Eastchester to Fort 
iSchuyler. Here he was confronted by the waters of the Sound, 
but fortunately he spied, in his distress, a long line of rocks, on 
Iwhich, with remarkable agility, he crossed over to Long Island, 
there making use of the series of boulders that still bear his 
Satanic imprint. 

I This line of dangerous rocks in the Sound is known as "the 
Stepping Stones," on one of which the "Stepping Stone Light" 
shines forth, a familiar beacon to warn all mariners who travel 
by night. 

Prior to this time, rumor has it that not so much as a 
boulder was to be seen in Westchester County, while Long Island 
was thickly strewn with them. In his towering rage at his 
defeat at the hands of the redskins, the Evil Spirit, so the le- 
gend runs, hastily collectea every rock on the island in piles 
near Cold Spring, and vented his spite by hurling them at his 
distant enemies across the Sound. Thus we find the lower part 
of old Westchester County fairly bristling with boulders of all 
sizes, while Long Island is quite the reverse — all owing to the 
Devil's tantrum ! 

For still a second explanation of the mysterious footprints, 
we must turn back to a legend of the Stone Age, when the people 
tirmly believed that could they but cut off the Devil's tail, he 
would feel so deeply disgraced as immediately to leave the 
region. 

Accordingly they chose two of their strongest wielders of 
the mighty stone axes to undertake the task. Great was their 
joy on coming upon the object of tlieir search, fast asleep, with 
his tail neatly tucked under him. They could not cut off his 
tail without waking him; so they quietly chopped off his cloven 
hoofs and as quickly disappeared. 

When the individual in question awoke from his sleep, he 
was indeed amazed to find that a human foot had grown on his 
right leg. while his other possessed neither hoof nor foot. With 
haste and speed he at once proceeded to leave such a dangerous 
locality by means of a series of tremendous leaps, jumping only 



upon the rocks we have described. The one redeeming feature 
of this marvelous legend, says some one, is that it explains the 
absence of the cloven hoof in the footprints on the boulders, as 
well as the fact that the impressions are all made by the right 
foot — the only one left him ! 

In speaking of these remarkable "Stepping Stones," Wash- 
ington Irving says : "I will say nothing of the Devil's Stepping 
Stones, by which the Arch Fiend made his retreat to Long Island. 
Neither will I say anything of the black man in a three-cornered 
hat, seated in the stern of a jollyboat, whom it is said that old 
Peter Stuyvesant once shot with a silver bullet." 

Winding and twisting in its course, the old Pelham Road 
extended from Westchester to Pelham. The upper part of it 
forms a section of the level Eastern Boulevard, passing quite 




Spy Tree, Pelham Road 

close to the new Athletic Grounds of Pelham Bay Park. Within 
a stone's throw of Westchester Creek the Middletown Road 
branches off, on the south side of which is the ancient Ferris 
Homestead, the newer one, with its imposing row of columns, 
being on the northern side of the roadway. 

Perhaps half way between Westchester and Pelham Bridge 
stands one of our most historic oaks, the famous "Spy Tree." 
Reports state that it is the largest of its kind east of the Rock-y 
Mountains, and together with one or two others it is classed as 
the last remaining vestige of the vast primeval forest that once 
covered this entire section of Westchester County. What a 
magnificent race of giants they must have been ! 

History tells us that during the long struggle of the Revo- 
lution, a British spy, captured in the neigh'Dorhood, was brought 
to this gigantic tree and summarily hanged from one of its 
branches. I well remember seeing the noble branch on which 



(,(, 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



the luckless spy met his fate. The historians relate that it was 
withered by the curse of him who perished there so ignomini- 
ously. Since that time many a "Skinner" has been taken to the 
same spot and as quickly met his death. A coil of rusty tele- 
graph wire, hanging from this fated limb, was pointed out to the 
credulous as the identical noose from which the unfortunate 
spy and the "Skinners " were suspended over a century ago ! 

Tradition tells strange tales of this old tree and its sur- 
roundings. Near by was once a well, of such renown that every- 
body from far and near used to come to draw the clear, cold 
water. One evening, many years ago, two young girls started 
with their pails to walk to this old well, and when close to the 
"Spy Tree," they saw a strange form approaching, "dressed in 
a military coat with an overcape after the style of the overcoats 
worn by the officers towards the close of the last century. 
Nearer and nearer the figur'.- came — he was within a few feet of 
the girls, when suddenly he vanished into thin air before their 
eyes !" 

On another occasion, as we are told, an old farmer vC'as 
one evening driving down the winding Pelham Road, with a load 
of produce for the New York market. As he drew near the 
"Skinners' Oak," the same strange man was seen approaching, 
clad in the same antique military cape. Believing himself about 
to be attacked, the old farmer clutched his whip more firmly, but 
as the figure approached closer he became paralyzed with fear. 
The strange apparition reached out, touched the wagon and 
putting his hand on it, walked quietly alongside until the 'Spy 
Tree" was reached, when he, as before, vanished into air. 

One more thrilling tale comes to us of this haunted oak, 
happening on one Thanksgiving Eve in "ye olden tyme." Three 
men, mounted on horses of blooded Westchester stock, were 
riding madly along on the way to their homes in City Island. 
Suddenly, while approaching the old tree, their horses with one 
accord came to a dead stop. Voice, whip, spur proved of no 
avail. The poor animals were literally trembling in every limb, 
as if spying something frightful in the darkness beyond which 
their riders could not see. After many fruitless efforts to make 
their steeds pass the spot, the despairing horsemen removed 
some stones in the wall, and leading their horses through, made 
a long detour around the place where the tree was, reaching 
the road again some distance beyond. Then, mounting once 
more, they galloped onward toward their homes. 

The natural question is: What made the horses behave so? 
A well versed authority states that it could not have been be- 
cause the men had stopped at some road house. "For the horses 
and not the men saw the ghosts. And it is far easier to believe 
in spirits of any kind than to believe the horses were inebriated. 
There is no record of any kind to prove that men of those days 
were generous enough to treat their horses as well as this 
supposition would imply." 

North of the "Spy Tree" is an ancient abode, standing well 
back from the road, and known as the "Old Paul House." 
Whatever history is connected with the quaint white structure I 
have been unable to obtain. To the south of the "Spy Tree" 
stood an early homestead, said to have been built in 1735. A well 
sweep of antique appearance, just across the road, has given rise 



iij the belief that the inspiring poem, "The Old Oaken Bucket" 
was composed here, and a long newspaper item is to this effect 
probably written by some misinformed correspondent. 

History tells of a spy, captured during the Revolution ir 
Westchester County and brought before General Putnam. Gov 
ernor Tryon, the British commander, wrote to Putnam, threaten 
mg dire vengeance should the spy be executed. As a reply. Put 
nam wrote the following : 

"Sir : Nathan Palmer, a lieutenant in your King's service 
was taken in my camp as a spy; he was tried as a spy; he wa' 
condemned as a spy, and you may rest assured, sir, that he shal 
be hanged as a spy. 

"I have the honor to be, &c., 

ISRAEL PUTNAM. 
"P. S. — Afternoon. He is hanged." 

Two old houses on the Boston Road may well claim our at 
lention. One was "Thwaite's Old Homestead," just south of Pel 
ham Parkway and near Bear Swamp Road, in Bronxdale. Tt 
glance at this old house was to appreciate its antiquity. Accord 
ing to Mr. Thwaite, it was built in 1799, and the relentless ad 
vance of the widened White Plains Road has wiped it out o 
existence, as it ha sdone with others of Bronxdale's relics. Tin 
second is a "Drovers' Inn," described as commanding an extensivi 
view of the Sound. There is a strange old house at the tip-top o 
the hill, about a mile this side of Eastchester, that would seen 
to answer this description. It does not look exactly like : 
dwelling, and is perhaps the identical "Drovers' Inn" mentionet 
in tlie old records. 

To leach this old hostelry by following Boston road, on( 
has to pass within sight — if one has sharp eyes — of the ok 
Underbill Burying Ground, just beyond Spencer's Corners. Ir 
addition to the sepulchral looking vault, there are many head 
stones here, some of them in an exceedingly neglected condition 
I have been told that it is on the Adee property and that t..i 
Underbills purchased it fiom the Indians. 

Following are some of the inscriptions : 



Clarina. . . . • ■ 

Who departed this life 

Febry 18, 1795. 

Aged IS months. 



Nathaniel Underbill. 
June 27, 1775. 



Annie, 

Wife of John Underhil 

-■6 August, 1786 



"^SK 




CHAPTER XXIII 



FORT SCHUYLER AND SCREVEN'S POINT 



Fort Schuyler Hart's Island — Zerega's Point — Screven's Point — Castle Hill Mansion — The Wilkins House 



Protecting the access bj' water to New York City by means 
of the Sound, are two lines of defences, Willett's Point on the 
Long Island shore and Fort bchuyler on our side. The fort is 
at the extreme end of Throgg's Neck, where stands a warning 
lighthouse, and is reached by one of the most beautiful drives 
in this part of the country — a broad roadway lined on 
either side with the most magnificent trees, and serving to reach 
many most elegant mansions m the neighborhood. Located about 
four miles southeast of the Vv estchester Railroad Station, it is 
now the most remotely situated military post in the Borough of 
the Bronx, and until 1895, when a regular post office was estab- 
lished at Westchester and a free delivery service put into opera- 
tion, all mail matter for the fort had to be sent by carriage 
from Old Westchester Village, night and morning. 

Until the recent erection of a telephone and telegraph line 
connecting all the government posts in the v.cinity, there was no 
direct means of communication with the outside world, except 
by toiling to Westchester, or waiting for the official steamer, 
the "General Meigs," which made daily trips around the city. 

The reservation proper includes about ninety acres. Near 
the beginning of this reservation is a narrow causeway, where at 
high tide the waters of the Sound used to How over the roadway 
very freely, so low was its level. 

Three large disappearing guns have been erected on the 
reservation, affording quite a contrast to the almost obsolete 
outfit of the rest of the fort. When I visited the place several 
years ago, in company with an old Civil War veteran, he pointed 
out to me the "Columbiads" and "Re-inforced" cannon that were 
apparently its only means of defence. Years before I had looked 
with awe into the mouths of the mortars, alinost expecting them 
to go ofl: at any minute. The subterranean "bomb-proof" cham- 
bers always had a fascination for me, as did the old draw bridge 
that could be drawn up at a minute's notice, after the manner 
of a medieval castle. Should an enemy succeed in passing this 
drawbridge, he would have to pass through a grim tunnel, on 
each side of which were narrow slits for the gunners to aim 
their rifies, and direct plenty of cold lead towards the invading 
foe. 

So much for the approach by land. While the water at the 
causeway is shallowness itself, there is very deep water off the 
fort dock, to reach which one has to turn to the right after 
passing beneath the tunnel, and go through another archway, 
close to a barred window, evidently the "guard room" of the 
place. If any hostile ships approached in years past, the guns 
would have probably made short work of them. Were they to 
come to-day, the disappearing guns would no doubt get in their 
deadly work. 

From the extreme end of the point, the Sound makes a sharp, 
almost right-angled turn, and the view from here is simply 



superb. On a clear day. Long Island, Pelham Bay and the dis- 
tant shores of Hart's Island come into marked prominence. 

"This fort, built more than sixty years ago, is a fine speci- 
men of the military architecture of that period. In shape it 
tesembles a blunt wedge, having seven sides about 300 feet 
in length at the west end, and the other six forming the two 
tapering sides to the wedge, the point of which is at the end 
of Throgg's Neck. At each angle there is a projection which 
might be compared to a bay window, in which provision is made 
for mounting cannon, and in each of the two forward sections 
of the side walls there are about eighty, in two tiers, also pro- 
visions for mounting guns on top. 

"Once a week the old cannon are cleaned out and oiled, and 
the carriages shifted and oiled to prevent rust. This moving 
of the guns takes up much of the time of the little garrison, 
which consists of two batteries of the Fifth Artillery, comprising 
about 150 men." 

After crossing the causeway, one comes upon the ruins of 
the old hospital, a relic of the Civil War, when this was quite 
an important place for military convalescents. It had been long 
disused and was finally destroyed by fire. A friend once told 
me that during the Civil War he happened to walk by the 
sentries and find himself inside the fortifications of Fort Schuyler. 
Escape by land he could not, so he tried by water. It so hap- 
pened that a government boat was receiving soldiers, and in the 
confusion he managed to get on board, thus making a sudden 
and unexpected retreat from the fort. 

Throgg's Neck, as the crow flies, is just thirteen miles from 
the New York City Hall. Three miles above, and a short dis- 
tance beyond the northern end of City Island, is situated Hart's 
Island, an important military post. The United States flag can 
always be seen flying from the small collection of buildings that 
are grouped together on this island. In connection with Throgg's 
Neck we must not omit to mention the elegant Havemeyer and 
Huntington mansions that are such orna^nts to this region. 
The former is said to be one of the oldest houses in the vicinity, 
having been built by Abijah Hammond about the year 1800. 
Close to the lane dividing these two estates may be seen on the 
Havemeyer land a quaint oid house, once owned by the Rev. Mr. 
Roberts, of Roberts' College, Constantinople, while opposite, 
near the residence of Mrs. Huntington, rises a beautiful cedar 
of Lebanon, said to be the finest in North America. 

The next point below is Zerega's, or Old Ferry Point, 
a corruption from Ferris Point. On the rural and narrow lane 
leading to Zerega's Point, just beyond the handsome brick Catho- 
lic Deaf and Dumb Asylum, stands perhaps the oldest house in 
the whole Borough of the Bronx, the ancient Ferris Mansion. 
Erected in 1687, its antique appearance betokens its great age. 
Fronting the south, it has been added to, so that the more modern 




Old Mott Haven Canal, loofcina: South from 144th Street 




OldMott Haven Canal, looking North item J 36th Street 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



69 



jiart appears llic nldcsl. lis t-arly luiniu was "(irove Siah's," from 
its Colonial owner, Jn^iah limit, wliosf fallu'r. Tliomas lliml, 
received it in palcnl from (;o\crniir Niculls. In this way the ohl 
grange and surromiding lands pasM-d iiUn tin- possession of Mr. 
Ferris, and we may add that a more truly beautiful section 
rarely exists in our extensive borough. .\n old maj) shows the 
Lorillard Mansion on the extreme end, while the Zercga Mansion 
is a little further back. Both of these seemed protected by a sign : 
"No Trespassing!" One of these, probably the Lorillard Man- 
sion, was said to have been of Revolutionary origin, and met its 
doom by the flames a few years ago. It is now replaced by a 
very handsome structure. 

Adrian Block, on his voyage of exploration of the East 
River and Long Island Sound, was undoubtedly the first white 
man to see the wigwams of the Sewanoes in plain view of the 
summit of Castle Hill, about where the Screven place now stands. 
Even after the departure of the red men, and until this very day, 
the spot bears the same historic name. Castle Hill. During the 
years of the Revolution, and on the maps for many years after- 
wards, the place was the property of Gouverneur Morris Wil- 
kins, and I have learned that it had, a short time ago, passed 
into the possession of the Portchester Railroad. Almost hidden 
by the surrounding trees stands the old mansion, "Castle Hill," 
for many years the abode of the Rev. Isaac Wilkins, rector of 
St. Peter's Church, Westchester, a respected member of the 
Colonial Assembly, and, it must be added, a most sincere and 
outspoken Tory. His residence became the refuge of three other 
Loyalist clergymen, who found their own parishes too patriotic 
for them. 

One of these was the Rt. Rev. Samuel Scabury, also for a 
time rector of St. Peter's Church, the first bishop of the Pro- 
testant Episcopal Church in America, who had made the long 
voyage over to England in order to be ordained. During the 
Revolution, Dr. Scabury wrote a most remarkable series of 
pamphlets, each one fairly ablaze with Loyalist doctrines, which 
so aroused the ire of the Americans, that the worthy bishop was 
captured while in New Haven and publicly paraded through the 
streets. On finding the proof of his authorship insufficient, they 
allowed him to return to Westchester and the enraged populace 
contented themselves with burning all of his documents that they 



could lay hands on. after decorating them well with tar and 
feathers. The Rev. Mr. Wilkins came very near being seized as 
the writer of these papers, but succeeded in proving an alibi. As 
a climax, some one else steipcd in and laid claim to the author- 
ship, to whom the British government granted a handsome pen- 
sion, while Dr. Seabury, the real originator, never received so 
much as a farthing, and came near losing his life at that. 

Dr. Seabury and his friends were compelled to keep in the 
closest hiding while at Castle Hill. For a long time none of 
Ihem dared stir from the dark recesses of an old chimney-corner 
where food was lowered to them through an improvised trap 
door. So ingeniously constructed was their refuge in the old- 
fashioned chinnicy that they managed to escape detection in spite 
of the thorough and persevering searches that were constantly 
made for them throughout the old mansion. 

The names of the other clergymen were Drs. Cooper and 
Chandler. From a letter written by Dr. Seabury we learn that 
the charge brought against them was "that they have, in con- 
nection with the society and the British Ministry, laid a plan 
for enslaving .America." 

The secret chamber in which the three men hid was one 
that the builders had left unfinished by the side of the chimney. 
The room — if room it may be called — is extremely deep and 
narrow, extending to the bottom of the chimney in the cellar, 
with an entrance through a trap door in the floor of the room 
overhead. As we have said, although the house was repeatedly 
searched and surrounded for some time, this secret room re- 
mained undiscovered. Afle- a week the prisoners escaped through 
a subterranean passage, connecting the cellar with the creek 
about a hundred feet away. Not very long ago some workmen, 
in digging, came upon an underground passage, which according 
to all signs, must have been the very one through which the three 
clergymen made good their escape. 

"It is hard to realize now," says some one, "when the country 
is being rapidly changed by tne erection of blocks of brick houses 
and other buildings, that Westchester was ever sufficiently wild 
to have been the scene of such acts of savagery as are recorded 
in history, and it would be well to mark the spots of most inter- 
est before the encroaching city obliterates all the traces which 
iinw remain." 




CALirORNI.V.N -LA-LI'jN; 
A Scene in Bronx Park 





CLINTON AVENUE AND I70th $TREET. SEVENTEEN YEARS AGO 



CHAPTER XXIV 



PORT MORRIS AND "THE HUSSAR *♦ 



Riker's Island — Two Brother Islands — Various Accounts of the Lost "Hussar' 



I Passing by for the moment, Hunt's Point with all its interest- 

ing historical associations and memories, we come to Port Morris, 
at present mostly occupied by gas-tanks and manufacturing in- 
dustries. 

Off in the Sound lies Riker's Island, a dreary looking waste 
in the water, increased in size, I understand, by the fillings from 
the Street Cleaning Department. To the south lie the "Two 
Brothers," two islands, on the more northerly of which are situ- 
ated the City Hospitals, while the southern island has lately been 
used as an athletic field, being reached by steamer from Port 
Morris. 

"There are alwiut half a dozen treasure-ships off our shores,'' 
says a New York diver, in relating his experiences. "The best 
known hereabouts is the British frigate 'Hussar,' which struck 
(in the vicinity of North Brother Island and Port Morris) in 
1780. She went down with 107 men on board and. it is said, 
a great amount of gold coin intended for the British forces. 
This vessel has been worked for treasure smce 1818. Parties 
have operated with a diving bell, have grappled with ice-longs 
and in fact have endeavored in ways as numerous as they were 
ridiculous, to raise the titasurc. But I never heard of anything 
of value being obtained since 1819, when her guns and upper 
sheathing were brought up — except the anchor, and I raised that 
a few years ago. There lies the 'Hussar' just where she sank, 
only she has worked herself a nest thirty feet beiow the bed of 
the Sound, and if there was any treasure aboard her, it is there 
still. H there is any truth in the story that comes down from 
1780 the waters are eddying over a treasure of two hundred 
thousand pounds." 

Almost exactly on the spot where search was made, a while 
ago, for the bodies of the victims of the "General Slocum," 
has this long hunt taken place. It has involved the outlay of 
over a quarter of a million dollars, involving the shattering oi 
many a reputation. Not until ten years ago has the State 
Department ended the quest by "exploding the myth." 

Reaching New York from England on September 13, 1780, 
came this famous "Hussar" with a cargo of a large sum of money 
in copper, silver and gold coin. The English forces in the 
Colonies had not been paid for a long time, and this money was 
i;i still llieir complaints. Another British vessel, the "Mercury," 
had also left England with three hundred and eighty thousand 
pounds, and the conclusion was that this had been transferred to 
the "Hussar." About this period there were rumors extant that 
New York City was about to fall into the hands of the Americans, 
and therefore the "Hussar" received orders to sail up the Sound 
to Newport. It never, however, got beyond North Brother 
Island, vhere it sank on the 23d of November. 1780. conveying 



the impression that the treasure had gone to the bottom with the 
ill-fated ship. 

Then followed the numerous attempts to secure the supposed 
prize. "The only treasure connected with the sinking of the 
'Hussar,' " says some one, "is the money that has been expended 
in trying to recover it." The methods employed were certainly 
as original and novel as they were unsuccessful. One man re- 
covered from the wreck fifteen guineas, and a number of relics, 
including some beer mugs, inscribed "George III, Rex," and a 
cannon now in the museum at Worcester, Mass. I have in my 
collection a mass of rust, brought from the same place, fully 
three inches in diameter, in the middle of which is a bullet about 
an inch through the centre. 

Finally Secretary Gresham investigated the matter, and a re- 
port in the Admiralty's Office was searched. The logs of the 
"Mercury" and the "Hussar" were closely examined, neither of 
these containing the least mention of any treasure. In the books 
of the Exchequer it wis found that the largest sum of money 
sent to this country at any one time during the Revolution was 
fifty thousand pounds, and that was sent to Charleston. 

In the Admiralty Office proper was discovered a report, 
written by Fletcher Betts, an officer of the "Hussar," giving a 
complete description of the disaster and adding that there was 
twenty thousand pounds in gold aboard the "Hussar," but two 
days before it sunk the money was delivered to the Commissary 
General at New York, and that Betts himself assisted in trans- 
fering the gold. 

This was the end of the long tradition of sunken treasure, 
which has cost nearly a quarter of a million of dollars and nmch 
bitter disappointment. 

As one of the divers was exploring the bottom of the Sound 
in his search for the hapless victims of the "General Slocum," he 
was amazed at coming across the remains of an old anchor and 
some water-worn fragments of its "chair." "On her way up the 
Sound, she struck on Pot Rock," we are told, "and her captain 
made for North Brother Island, just as the coiumander of the 
'Slocum' did, but the vessel foundered before he could get it on 
the shelving edge of the island." 

Another authority states that lately a gang of Italians 
at work on the New York Central Railroad's new Power House 
at 145th Street and the Sound, dug up a strange looking little 
barrel, and when they found it was empty, they hurled it to 
where a policeman happened to be standing. Picking it up, he 
rubbed the dirt off, and discovered it to be a spruce wood can- 
teen, with the date "1778," and in another place was the fig- 
ure "2." The supposition is that some shipwrecked soldier from 
the ill-fated "Hussar," once the owner of this canteen, might have 
sought refuge in the fort that was formerly situated on the site 
of the new power plant of the New Y'ork Central Railroad. 



CHAPTER XXV 



LEGGETT'S LANE AND WESTCHESTER TURNPIKE 



Leggett's Lane — The Dater Mansion — The Dennison-White Mansion — The Revolutionary Cave — Oak Point- 
The Whitlock-Casanova Mansion — Westchester Turnpike — Janes & Kirtland Iron Foundry — 
Si. Ann's Church — The Pocahontas Branch Railroad — The "Great Eastern" — 
Bensonia Cemetery — The Benson Mansion 



Directly above North Brother Island is Leggett's Point, and 
near here was the terminus of that delightfully picturesque 
country lane, variously styled "Leggett's Lane," "Dennison's 
Lane," and "White's Lane." It started at the old Westchester 
Turnpike, a few feet north of Prospect Avenue, winding its way 
almost due south to the handsome residences on the shores of the 
Sound. In former years it was a perfect bower of interwinding 
tree branches. Now, when a few days ago, I sought to find this 
spot, it was so lost by the many buildings that have grown up 
around as if by magic, that only a few trees and scattered frag- 
ments of a once beautiful "nigger-head" stone wall, remained 
to mark its course. 

One old house is left, the Dennison-White residence, the 




Leggett's Lane 

Dater Mansion having recently been destroyed. This latter was 
a grand old stone structure facing the water, betokening in its 
stately appearance all its former grandeur, but now used as tlie 
home of a market gardener ! 

The Dennison-White house was situated in "Longwood 
Park," its entrance being about opposite the site of Philip 
Dater's. The old mansion itself, whose sides were so conspicu- 
ously blocked out in checker-board squares, is still preserved as 
the handsome "Longwood Club House," and Longwood Avenue, 
near by, is named from the same source. 

Imagine a beautiful, woodland estate, with acres of grassy 
lawn, varied here and there by miniature forests and glens. 
Within a stone's throw ran the densely shaded lane, along which 
I have been told the British forces marched, in days of yore. 



When I last visited this site, so familiar to me in times past, 
great trees were fast being felled and blocks of houses had 
sprung up. so that it would require the practiced skill of a truly 
old inhabitant to tell where the original lane wound through its 
terraced banks. 

A few years ago, instead of the red-coated soldiers, a daily 
army of excursionists tramped along this leafy lane on hot 
summer days on their way to reach a water resort. Then it was 
that the ceaseless throng became an eyesore to the residents of the 
old mansion, and, claiming that the lane was a private and not 
a public way, they sought to bar popular progress by erecting 
gates across the roadway. "But no," said those wise in the 
law. "For twenty years this has been an open road, and you 
cannot close it now." Thus did the Oak Point excursionists win 
the day. 

Close to the winding lane, under a grove of immense forest 
trees, was situated some years ago a little cave almost hidden 
by the green turf. In its dark recesses once lay a pile of human 
Ijones, ghastly, gruesome and white. During the Revolution there 
was a sharp skirmish hereabouts between the Americans and 
the British, with the unfortunate result that the former were 
only "almost successful." In their hasty flight they carried their 
dead with them, until the little cave was reached, when they 
halted just long enough to hide the bodies in its black interior. 
An old resident recently told me that man" years ago she had 
often visited the place and seen the white bones, which a phy- 
sician who had examined them, declared were genuine human 
bones. 

There was once an cptning in the "Haw-Haw" fence, that 
led to the old lane, but such streams of people used to come to 
see the strange curiosities that the owner of the place did away 
with the entrance, and filled up the cave for self protection, leav- 
ing but a mound to mark the spot. 

Now the query is : Will the laborers find the bones when 
they dig up the ground where the cave was, as they seem sure 
soon to do? Were the bones taken away when the cave was 
filled in, or are they there still? What will the contractor say 
if his men come upon a pile of human relics? In a very short 
time this question will be answered, and we shall sec whether the 
workmen will bring to light the remains of some of our Revo- 
lutionary ancestors! 

From here towards the Sound, the winding lane crossed the 
present Southern Boulevard, ending near the old Arnold Man- 
sion. I have heard that there was a Revolutionary house at this 
place, pp.ssibly the Leggett Mansion. At any rate, they have all 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



73 



vaiiislied now. "Arnold's Point." afterwards Oak Point, that 
well known resort for bathers and excursionists, now forms tlie 
busy freight yards of the New Haven Railroad Company. 

Another stately edifice has not survived the general destruc- 
tion. This is the immense Whitlock or Casanova Mansion, which 
rose like a sentinel above the surrounding regions. B. M. Whit- 
lock, its former owner, carried on an extensive trade with the 



as if by magic, only to close again in the same manner. A lady 
who had been an invited guest at this chateau told me that one 
Sunday morning Mrs. Whitlock wished to drive with her to 
church. They did not go. for out of the fifty-six horses on the 
estate, the servants w^ere using every one of the carriage horses 
for their own purposes ! 

Just before the Civil War an entire regiment from (icorgia 




Site of Old Revolutionary Cave 



j Southern States, and selected this spot, then an ideal one, for a 
|| country residence. A magnificent forest surrounded it, and only 
' the top of the great central dome was visible above the trees, 
i Many wonderful stones have been told to me about this 

I palatial abode. Three years it was in building, being completed 
about 1859, some of the elaborate decorations having been im- 




Casanova Mansion 

ported from France. Solid gold knobs were on the massive 
front doors. Long drives wound through the grounds. As a 
carriage approached the immense gates, the horses would step 
on some hidden spring, and suddenly the gates would fly open 



was entertained at his mansion by Mr. Whitlock. the men en- 
camped in tents on the lawn, and the officers having possession 
of the spare rooms in the house. With the Rebellion, we learn 
that financial distress came to the family and Mr. Whitlock was 
obliged to sell his beautiful residence, which passed into the 
hands of a distinguished Cuban, Senor Casanova, and the place 
was styled "Castello de Casanova." 

Through the courtesy of the owners I made a tour of in- 
spection through the old house, taking an entire afternoon for 
exploration. The great front doors were thrown open for us to 
enter, and we read at our feet in inlaid tiling the legend, "SOYEZ 
LE BIENVENU," and were confronted on all sides by the most 
beautiful polished white marble. Perhaps the most charming 
apartment of all was the "Louis XVI Room," a dazzling blaze of 
blue, white and gold. Or was the finest room the one built 
under the great dome at the top, evidently intended for a ball 
room, but resembling a chapel, in that it is lit by the most jewel- 
like stained glass windows? Another apartment, also highly 
unique, was the room in wdiich the great safe stands. We only 
discovered it by accident, as it is lighted by oval panels, that 
closely resemble wood, until we entered through a secret doorway 
and found they were of opaque glass. 

Much doubt has been cast upon these underground cham- 
bers, and I could scarcely believe they were there myself until 
1 wandered through them, almost tumbling into the well that evi- 
dently supplied the house with drinking water. At every point 
we met some strange and novel sight. The extravagantly en- 
amelled door knobs that we found lying on the floor were indeed 
jewels in themselves. We rang bells that sounded far away in 



74 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



the lower part of the house. No servant responded, however, 
for the one resident was outside and did not keep any "help." 
So, whoever wanted to be surrounded by luxury, by everything 
that taste can desire or money can buy — all in the past tense, 
should have paid a visit to this magnificent Casanova Mansion. 

The old Westchester Turnpike branched from Third Ave- 
nue (Boston Post Road) at isoth Street, and wended its way 
to the Village of Westchester. Purdy's grocery store, for so 
many years a landmark of the entire section, which stood at the 
corner, has yielded its place to one of our great department 
stores. After crossing what was formerly Mill Brook, the road 
passes on the right hand the remains of the extensive Janes & 
Kirtland's iron foundry, which in its day wrought many famous 
pieces of iron for different parts of the country. Examples of 
the work follow : The iron work for the dome of the Capitol at 
Washington, and it is said that when this order was secured, 
so large was the undertaking that the firm moved its factory 
to the then wilderness of Westchester County, in 1858. where it 
erected a large brick edifice, 3.300 feet square; they also did work 
for the Treasury Department, the General Post Office at Wash- 
ington and the Patent Ofiice ; also the iron railing on the old 
Brooklyn Bridge approaches, the iron bridge across the lake in 
Central Park, which was cast in ten-ton pieces. China, South 
America, Cuba, Hawaii, Mexico and Haiti claim mythological 
pieces, dogs, deers and lions, all cast by this firm. The immense 
fountain for the City of Savannah, considered one of the most 
notable examples of ironwork in America, was also their work 
which in later years gave up the manufacture of ornamental 
and architectural pieces. It may be stated here that the dome 
of the Capitol at Washington weighed 10.000,000 pounds, and 
took three years to manufacture. 

Reaching St. Ann's Avenue, if we go about a mile southward, 
we come to St. Ann's Church, a Gothic structure built by Gouver- 
neur Morris the second, and containing in its burial plot tlie 
grave of his father. The church ilself, we learn, has a memorial 
to the memory of Mrs. Gouverneur Morris, who was a lineal 
representative of the illustrious Pocahontas, of Virginia. The 
little branch road running from Port Morris to the Harlem 
Division at Melrose, is, for some reason or other, styled the 
Pocahontas Branch. 

But speak not of this as an obscure freight raih'oad. We 
read that it once boasted of four passenger trains a day to and 
from Port Morris. Over this line the passengers of the "Great 
Eastern" were brought to New York City, at the time of the 
■first arrival of the vessel at our shores, her captain having chosen 
the course down Long Island Sound instead of coming up New 
York Bay. Finally he feared passing through the dreaded mael- 
strom of Hell Gate, and brought his huge craft at last to anchor 
in the deep waters off Port Morris. 



Following St. Ann's Avenue northerly from Westchester 
Avenue, we come to a tiny burying ground, almost bisected in 
years past by the change of direction of St. Ann's Avenue. This 
was Old Bensonia Cemetery, or as the old deeds phrase it, the 
"Morrisania Cemetery at Bensonia." Once a beautifully kepi 
rural graveyard, it is now in a hardly conceivable state of deso- 
lation, only eight of the many trees remaining that once were its 
pride. 

A mysterious fact is related in connection with this little 
enclosure. I have been told that when A. T. Stewart's body was 
stolen from its resting place, it was buried for several days in 
the quiet seclusion of little Bensonia Cemetery, where it lay un- 
noticed while the family received a grim message from the rob- 
bers in the form of an irregularly shaped piece of cloth, which 
when compared with that torn from the lining of the coffin, was 
found to fit exactly. 

After a time, when the officers of justice began to follow up 
the thieves too closely, a notice was sent to the Stewart family, 
offering to surrender their prey on payment of a certain sum as 
ransom. The place for tlie body to be given back was men- 
tioned, being, as near as I can place it, on the old Pelham Avenue, 
a short distance east of Bronxdale, one of the loneliest places in 
the whole region. At midnight a certain relative of the family 
was to drive to the solitary scene in a covered wagon, which he 
did, being stopped on the wayside by successive masked senti- 
nels on horseback, who. seeing that he was alone, directed him 
to proceed. At midnight he reached tlie appointed spot, the 
money he had brought was counted out by the flicker of lanterns, 
the body placed in the wagon and the young man dispatched on 
his long and weird Iiomeward drive, reaching his destination just 
as dawn was breaking over the great city. 

1 Iiave learned that Bensonia Cemetery has been condemned 
by the city as a public park, and trust that steps will be imme- 
diately taken towards this purpose. The name of this section 
arises from B. L. Benson, who owned considerable land in the 
vicinity, and lived in the old fashioned house with graceful 
columns that used to stand at the nortliwest corner of West- 
chester Road and Carr (St. Ann's) Avenue. 

From here Westchester Road continues its course, once a 
quiet country turnpike, now a noisy city street, utilized by trolley 
cars on the surface and by the Rapid Transit trains thundering 
overhead. An old map gives a toll gate and house a short dis- 
tance east of Prospect Avenue, on McGraw's Hill, but no traces 
of this now remain. 

Passing by Fox Corners, the road reaches the Bronx River, 
where a fine bridge has been erected. From here it climbs the 
hill, passing the beautiful "Wilmont,"_ the former home of the 
Watson family, and afterwards passing quite close to "Black 
Rock," which lies imbedded in the marshes. 




CHAPTER XXVI 



TREMONT AND FORDHAM 



Ancient Bathgate Avenue House — Historical Tremont — Jacob Lorillard Residence — Old Stenton Mansion — Old 

Powell Farm House — Rose Hill Farm House Fordham Heights Cemetery — Poe Cottage 

— Dutcn Reformed Church — Ancient Manor of Fordham 



On Randal's Map of the property of Gouverneur Morris is 
to be found "an old stone house," built at a different angle with 
the streets and avenues. The map is dated 1816 and shows things 
quite different from what they are now. This "Old Stone House" 
stood on the westerly side of Bathgate Avenue, at a strange slant 
with the avenue itself. A gentleman once told me that when ho 
came to Tremont, half a century ago, this house really looked 
older than it did a few years ago. The reason of its being 
erected without regard to the existing streets was because it was 
built to face the south. Now that Bathgate Avenue has been 
widened the old stone house is no more. 

The former police station, which was perched on top of the 
rocks, on Bathgate Avenue, just above Tremont Avenue, now the 
site of the new and highly modern police station, was in old days 
a school house, and a fine play ground the little Tremonters used 
to have, as the grounds extended as far west as Washington 
Avenue. 




Old Bathgate Avenue Houkc 

Half a century ago. we read. Mount Hope was all country 
fields, and from Tremont to West Farms it was all farm land. 
To the north, near ijSlh Street and Third Avenue, is "Oakley 
Grove," one of the oldest landmarks in the Bronx. Miles 
Oakley, from whom the place derives its name, was a vestry- 
man in St. Peter's Church, Westchester, in 1702, becoming in 1730 
the second Mayor of Westchester. 

Following up Fordham (Third) .-\vcnue, a short distance 
brings us to the Old Quarry Road, a small section of which still 
exists east of Third Avenue, while the remainder, leading slant- 
wise towards the southwest, crossed the Harlem Railroad at 
about I7gth Street. Thence it ascended Mount Hope Hill diag- 
onally, taking a turn to the northwest, and lastly climbing tlie 
justly named "Sijake Hill," reached Macomb's Road almost in 



front of "Mount Fordham," the late Lewis G. Morris's stately 
residence. 

In the triangle formed by this Quarry Road, the old Fordham 
Road and Kingsbridge Road, which is now occupied by the mas- 




Powell Farm House 

sive buildings of the Home for Incurables, still stands the old 
residence of Jacob Lorillard, which is the present home of the 
Medical Superintendent of the Home for Incurables. Close by 
is the site of the celebrated "Oak Tree Slump." to which refer- 
ence has previously been made. 




Stenton Mansion 

On Washington Avenue, near Pelhani .\venue, stand two 
ancient houses, well worthy of description. One is the Colonial 
Mansion on the old Stenton Estate, where Washington and his 
men once stopped while passing through the Harlem Valley. 



76 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



All nld l)ani. close l)y, where General Washington's liorses were 
stabled, was destroyed by fire about four years ago. Directly 
north of the Stenton Mansion is the venerable Powell Farm 
Mouse, now over loo years old, once the residence of the Rev. 
William Powell, rector of St. Peter's Chnrch, Westchester, 
which is regarded as the oldest house in Fordhani. Manv 




Bcrnan C'mctcry. Fordhani Heights 

wonderful gho.st stories concerning this spot have been told me 
liy a former occupant, while on the kitchen floor is said lo be a 
mysterious blood stain that will not wash out in spite of all 
attempts. This old abode stands with its back to Washington 
Avenue, and I have heard that a private road once wound its way 
down to Kingsbridge Road near the Home for Incurables. 

Facing Washington Avenue are the extensive and lieautiful 
grounds of St. John's College, on Rose Hill, said to have been 
once the residence of the celebrated Motte. On these premises, 
until about two years ago, stood a very antique house, used as the 
College Infirmary. It was the Rose Hill Manor Farm House, 
having been built before 1692. One authority asserts that it w-as 
Washington's headquarters, while another states that he so- 
journed at what now is Nolan's Hotel, Fordham Square. The 
latest reports inform us that St. John's College is now known as 
"Fordham University," while the main college building, an 
ancient stone structure with antique cupola, was the original 
Rose Hill Manor House itself. 




Poe Cottage 

Following Kingsbndgc Road lo the crest of the hill, we 
find that Fordham Road turns off sharply to the west. A short 
distance along this latter highway, which was also known as 
Fordham Landing Road, stands the old Peter 'Valentine Farm 
House, now' enlarged into the pretty residence of the late John 



B. Haskin. Crossing the old Croton .Aqueduct, beyond 
Macomb's Road, we come to the much neglected Berrian Ceme- 
tery, at the corner of Sedgwick Avenue. The cutting through of 
this last named avenue, together with the widening of Fordham 
Road, sliced off a good part of the little burying ground. I have 
been told that part of a coffin was at one time seen projecting 
from the steep slope. .Among the inscriptions we find: 



Oliver Cromwell 
died in 1818. 



John Berrien 
d. Jan. 30, 1836. 



Peter Valentine 
d. .April 22. 1840. 



Nicholas Berrien, 
March 10, 1846. 



Samuel Berrian, 
May 27, 1785- 



If we continue directly along Kingsbridge Road, we shall 
soon pass a tiny cottage on the east side, which from 1846 to 
1849 was the abode of that wonderful literary genius, Edgar Allan 
Poe. 'Very fitly has it b.een described as "no more than a little 
paint bo.K, shingled on the sides as well as on the roof." I have 
seen one of the original shingles, an immense specimen, hand- 
.--plit and fully three feet long. 

Several of Poe's works were written at this Fordham home. 
".A short distance back of the cottage there is a rocky elevation, 
crowned with cedars and tradition asserts that this was a favorite 
haunt of Poe's. Here it was that he wove in his brain the ideas 
which found expression in 'Eureka,' 'Annabel Lee,' 'For Annie,' 
and 'Ulalume,' all of which were written while he lived at Ford- 
ham. .Another favorite resort of his was the Aqueduct pathway, 
leading from High Bridge to Fordham." 

His masterpiece, "The Raven," luany statements to the con- 
trary notwithstanding, was written in an old house on Riverside 
Drive, near Eighty-fourth Street. On the rocks behind the Ford- 
ham cottage, overlooking the grounds below, are said to be the 
remains of a British battery of Revolutionary days. 

Here is an interesting reminiscence of Poe: Two ladies 
came to the Jacob Lorillard Mansion, not so long ago, saying that 
they used to live there many years since and that Poe came there 
one evening while the f'dl moon was flooding everything with 
its majestic beauty, and recited there for the first time his master- 
I'iece "The Raven." 

One who visited the cottage as a messenger boy, has said : 
"On my first visit Mrs. Poe was sitting in the sun on the little 
forch, wrapped in wh it appeared to be a counterpane. At my 
next visit she was on a couch, covered with a man's overcoat, 
for the weather was '-hilly and the house was cold. I remember 
that while I was waiting for Poe, his wife coughed and I saw 



HISTORY OF BRONX [BOROUGH 



H 



him uiiK-e at the souiul. There is every reason to believe that 
in their 'Kingdom by the Sea' both of them were tired and 
hungry." Another visitor tells us that when she called there 
Poe had climbed into a tree to pick cherries, and his wife was 
standing on the ground underneath, to catch the fruit in her 
apron. "He was a very nice lookmg young man." she said, 
"and very agreeable, llis wife had come out into the fresh air, 
and to dig m the ground and get well. But she was too thin and 
weak to dig." 

In January, 1847, poor Virginia Poe, the beautiful "Annabel 
Lee," died and was buried from the old Dutch Reformed Church, 
still standing on the Kingsbridge Road, about half a mile be- 
yond the cottage. Her remains were first interred in tlie Valen- 
tine family vault, and in 1878 they were removed to Baltimore 
to be placed beside those of her husband. 

"The sunsliine and fresh air and isolation and freedom of 
their I'ordham home were as much for her sake as for his own." 
"The liny cottage had an air of taste and gentility tliat must 
have been lent to it by the very presence of its inmates. So neat, 
so poor, so unfurnished, and yet so charming a dwelling I never 
saw ! ' 

The last minister of the Fordham Dutch Reformed Church 
previous to the Revolution was the Rev. Dom. John Peter Tetard, 
the chaplain to General Montgomery. The original structure was 
erected in 1706 on the farm of James Valentine, more lately 
occupied by Moses Devoe. The latter's residence is said to have 
been the old Dutch Church parsonage. In 1801 a second struc- 
ture was built, and still later, the present church, the following in- 
scription on one foundation wall of the second building being 
preserved in the "new" cl'.urch: 



while still another inscription is taken from a stone in the Valen- 
tine house adjoining the site of the old church: 



I. V. S. 
1706. 



I H. M. K., 1704. I 

^ f ' 

At the intersection of the Kingsbridge and Fordham Roads, 
and opposite the former, stood an ancient house with its side 
to the street. An old resident told me that this was of Revo- 
lutionary origin, and that in its glory it stood apart, not shut 
in by the houses that now enclose it on both sides. For many 
years it was the residence of General Morris. A second old 
abode, on the opposite side of Kingsbridge Road, and a little 
further on, stands high in the air, through the grading and 
widening of Kingsbridge Road on the one side and the opening 
of Valentine Avenue on the other. It is said to have been built 
about the same time as the Poe Cottage, and in its rooms lived, as 
I have been told, one who furnished Poe with the bare necessi- 
ties of life, thus keeping him from starvation, when everything 
else failed him. 

The Manor of Fordham was at the foot of old Break Neck 
Hill, just south of Kingsbridge. It lay between the lands of Van 
der Donck and Bronck, being purchased principally from the In- 
dians by Jan Arcer, or John Archer, between 1655 and 1671. In 
1669 a ferry was located at the growing settlement of Fordham on 
Spuyten Duyvil Creek. After a while Archer had built up a 
fine estate of over a thousand acres. A purchase in 1669 made 
him the sole owner of lands as far south as Highbridge, the con- 
sideration being: "ij coats of Duffels, one halfe anchor of 
rume, two cans of brandy-wine, with several other matters to ye 
value of 60 guilders wampum." 

This Colonial settlement of a dozen houses must not be 
confused with the Foidhani of later times, as no traces of its 
buildings now remain. 







E 







CHAPTER XXVII 



BRIDGES OF THE BRONX 



Bridges Crossing: from the Borough of the Bronx to Manhattan Island — Their Various Histories and 

Points of Interest 



It has been suggesled that tlie Harlem Ri\'er be filled up, 
thus ceasing to exist, but nevertheless mighty bridges are still 
being constructed over it, each congested with traffic a few years 
after completion. 

Old King's Bridge, of which mention has already been made, 
comes first in the list. It was erected in 1693 under a franchise 
for 99 years, granted to Frederyck Philipse or Flypsen, to build 
and maintain a bridge at his own expense and to collect "easy and 
reasonable tolls." The original bridge was constructed a little 
to the east of the present one, remaining in the hands of 



I he railroad bridge at Spuyten Duyvil was authorized in 
1846 and is chiefly used by freight trains of the New York 
Central Railroad. Near this .spot the grand Hendrick Hudson 
Memorial Bridge will soon be built, connecting the heights of 
Manhattan with those of the Bron.x, its driveway forming a 
continuation of the Spuyten Duyvil Parkway, and overlooked by 
one of the Bronx's oldest houses, the solidly built "Bernan 
Farm House, now changed and added to, by a wealthy resident. 
Between the King's and Farmers' Bridges stands the New 
Broadway Bridge, built only a few years ago, and a perfect 




Washington Bridge 



Philipse's descendants down until after the Revolution, when 
It was forfeited to the State because of the fact that the family 
were Loyalists. 

Those having occasion to cross this early bridge protested 
strongly against the payment of tolls, so much so, that another 
bridge was built, which is still in existence near the old Manor 
of F'ordham. It was erected in 1759, and variously styled the 
Farmers,' Free, or Dyckman's Bridge. Close to King's Bridge 
stood an old mill, that made use of the water power to turn 
its wheels. 



example of its type. .\t Fordham Heights used to be a small 
foot-bridge, which fell to ruin many years ago. On its site 
we learn the Broadvvay Bridge over the Ship Canal is to be 
located, after being floated down from its present position by a 
gigantic engineering feat 

Next we come to that triumph of mechanical art, the grace- 
ful Washington Bridge, which words can scarcely describe. A\- 
most every Bronxite knows it by heart. We may only remark 
that it was two years in building, being opened to public use in 
1889, and that its entire length is 2,375 feet. 



80 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



About a quarter of a mile below Washington Bridge, rise 
the graceful arches of High Bridge, only intended for pedestrians, 
as between the foot-walk and the arches are three immense wate^ 
conduits. When completed in 1849, it had only two conduits 
each three feet in diameter, but about 1863 the side walls of the 
bridge were raised and a third pipe, seven feet six inches in 
diameter, was laid above the other two. 

This grand bridge, with its fifteen semi-circular arches, is 
one of the sights of the region, the arches at the crown giving 
a height of 100 feet above high water. It has a total length 
of I.4S0 feet. 

"Various plans were proposed for tlie aqueduct at this 
point," some one writes, "and in 1837 a contract was actually let 
and work started on a rock fill, with an arch at the centre eighty 
feet wide and thirty higii, the intention being to lay the water 
pipes on top of the embankment and cover them with earth." 
Luckily the government saw very quickly the error of this plan, 
wliich would have efifecti\ely barred tlie Harlem as a navigable 



About the year 1813 we learn that Macomb obtained a grant 
to erect a dam across the Harlem from Bussing's Point, on the 
southerly side, to Devoe's Point on the Westchester shore, thus 
practically forming a mill pond from this point to Kingsbridge. 
There was a stipulation, however, "that it should be so constructed 
as to allow the passage of boats . . . and that Macomb should 
always have a person in attendance .... The rent was the 
same as for the mill at King's Bridge, and Macomb and his suc- 
cessors levied toll on all vehicles and persons passing over this 
bridge." 

But were the residents of both sides of the river going to 
stand this unauthorized toll-bridge? No, indeed! A number of 
prominent residents, including the Morrises, the Valentines and 
the Devoes met together and decided that even the opening in 
the dam did not afford sufficient navigation of the river. 

Then a strange thing happened. A vessel laden with a cargo 
from a neighboring state ascended the river and demanded pass- 
age through the dam. Lewis G. Morris built a dock about half 




High 
stream, and, refusing to allow the continuance of the work, 
stepped in and caused the erection of the bridge as it now 
exists. Of course they used a quantity of solid frame, or "false- 
work" in the construction, and one of the old houses in Morris- 
sania is built in part ou: of these very timbers. Between High 
and Washington Bridges is the spot where the new Crotona Aque- 
duct crosses after the fashion of a siphon, a fine gatehouse being 
erected on both sides. 

After passing the bridge of the Putnam Division of the 
New York Central Railrotd, erected about 1877, we come to the 
handsome new Macomb's, or as it is now styled, "Central" 
Bridge. In 1800 the M;.yor, Aldermen and Commonalty ceded 
to Alexander Macomb "all that certain piece or parcell of land 
covered with water . . . beginning at the west side of Kings- 
bridge . . .on the north side of the creek of water called 
Spuyten Duyvil." Here he built the tidal grist mill west of the 
bridge, a landmark that in 1855 was still standing. Macomb, 
however, failed to carry out his agreement to keep a passage- 
way open along the course of the creek. 



Bridge 

a mde north of Highbridge (thus giving rise to the name Morris 
Dock, recently changed to Morris Heights) and had chartered 
this vessel, the "Nonpareil," carrying a load of coal for de- 
livery at Morris Dock. One exening about the year 1839, the 
"Nonpareil" reached the dam at full tide and Mr. Morris de- 
manded that the passageway be opened. As this request was 
not granted, a number of small boats appeared with about 100 
men on board, and with their assistance Mr. Morris was not long 
in forcibly tearing out a portion of the dam, thus admitting 
the vessel to float across. This taught a much needed lesson, 
for from that time a draw was always maintained in the dam 
rendering the Harlem free to navigation. 

In the words of Chancellor Walworth we find: "The Har- 
lem River is an arm of the sea and a public navigable river; 
it was a public nuisance to obstruct the navigation thereof, with- 
out authority of law." 

In 1858 authority was given for New York City and West- 
chester County to erect the first regular bridge, which bore the 
name of Macomb's Dam Bridge, while others called it the Cen- 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



81 



Iral Bridge. The Commissioners were directed to tear down the 
old Maconib's dam, and see that the river was widened to its 
full capacity. About i8gi, Macomb's Dam Bridge was moved 
a short distance up the river to make room for the erection of 
the splendid new steel structure vvliich was thrown open to the 
public about 1895. 

Next in order is the 145th Street Bridge, while below this 
comes the Madison Avenue Bridge, completed in 1884, and 
now sadly inadequate for the large body of traffic that daily 
crosses it. A short distance below is the immense Park Avenue 
Bridge, with its four tracks crossed by innumerable trains, a 
wonderful improvement over the old railroad bridges that stood 
in its stead. 

Mention has already been made of the two previous struc- 
tures crossing the Harlem River at Third Avenue. The present 
gigantic erection, with its two sidewalks, two roadways and two 
spaces for trolley cars, almost equals the railroad bridge in im- 
portance. The early bridge was known as Cole's Bridge, while 



the title of Harlem Bridge has also clung to it. Of great im- 
portance to Bronxites is the Second Avenue Bridge, crossed by 
a steady stream of electric trains and a few pedestrians. 

To relieve the pressure of traffic over the Harlem or Third 
Avenue Bridge, there is yet another one, connecting Willis Ave- 
nue on the Bronx side, with First Avenue, on Manhattan Island, 
the most southerly in the series of links "extending over to the 
main." 

Teams, foot-passengers, trolley cars and trains are con- 
stantly passing over these, always on the alert for the signal to 
open the draw. A number of tugs have adopted the excellent 
plan of having their funnels hinged, to be swung back when 
passing along the Har'em River. May the time soon come when 
all shall have adopted this device, and we can view the splendid 
trains of the New Yark Central Railroad, that have come from 
Chicago on time to a dot, enter the Grand Central Station on 
schedule time, without being "held up" by a few mud scows, 
towed by some diminutive tug with a tall smoke stack ! 




Some of the Attractive Spots in the Broria 




< 









CHAPTER XXVIII 



PARKS OF THE BRONX 



History and Description of the Parks and Parkways of the Bronx 



Although we have spoken of some of the largest and ninsl 
important parks of this borough, there are many smaller, yet in 
themselves complete, vvhich it would be a mistake to omit. 

Take the beautiful Claremont Park, for example, among 




Zborowsfci Mansion 

whose grassy lawns and tall trees arises that grand white struc- 
ture, the Zborowski Mansion, the General Headquarters of the 
Bronx Department of Parks. Erected in 1859, as the large raised 
figures declare, it is one of our handsomest buildings. On an- 
other side are the figures, "1676," evidently the date of a previous 
building on or near the same spot. One ornamental feature is 
very conspicuous — the raised sculptures, in the white marble, 
underneath the piazza roof, representing different classical groups 

A strange tradition was current among the Zborowskis that 
because of a curse, no male member of the family would die in 
his bed. We find that Martin Zborowski died in his chair, 
stricken with paralysis ; Elliott Zborowski was killed by a New 
Haven train; Francis Zborowski was drowned near Williams- 
bridge ; Max Zborowski was killed by a fall from his horse, and 
lastly Elliott Zliorowski, nephew of the other Elliott and last 
of his line, was killed on April i, 1903, at Nice, by being thrown 
from his auto car. 

As a resume, showing how many other parks the Bronx can 
boast of, we may mention the following : 

Franz Sigel Park, along the line of the old Buena Vista Ridge 
Road, now Mott Avenue, extends as far north as 158th Street. 
A little to the north, on i62d Street, near Mott Avenue, can be 
seen one of the glacial curiosities of the Bronx, a huge boulder, 
extending out into the sidewalk and covered with a mass of 
vines. Closer to this park, formerly known as Cedar Park, is the- 
beautiful Heine Fountain, 



Washington Bridge Park is another charming bit of green, 
under and adjoining the Bronx approach to this noble bridge. 

On the steep slopes of the hill, at what was and should still 
be called Fordham Heights, is the slanting University Park, 
close to the University grounds, and extending down to Cedar 
-Avenue. . Just above this, to the north of Fordham Road (also 
stj'led Fordham Landing Road. Berrian Landing Road and 
erroneously High Bridge Road) is the tiny Fordham Park, while 
to the eastward lie the shaded St. James Park (just north of the 
beautiful St. James' Church) and Poe Park, opposite Poe's former 
home, to which it was proposed to move the picturesque little 
Poe Cottage. 

.At Fordham Station is a beautifully kept spot of ground close 
to Webster Avenue, named Rose Hill Park, so called in honor 
of the Rose Hill Manor or Farm House that stood on the St. 
John's College grounds. A charming bit nf land, with immense 
ledges of rock that give a striking echo, on Mount Hope 
Hill, is appropriately christened "Echo Park." 

There are three to be considered yet, and the list of im- 
pr(i\cd park-, in the Bronx tint possess names will be complete 




Gen. Franz Sigel 

These are Melrose I-'ark, close to Melrose Station, which, a short 
time ago, was a most barren waste, and Macomb's Dam Park, 
underneath the northern approach of Centra! Bridge. It is well 
that the old name "Macomb's Dam" is in some manner perpet- 
uated tor linn- to come. 



84 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



The last in this series is St. Mary's Park, to the east of St. 
Ann's Avenue at 149th Street. There was once a fine lake here 
for skaters, while on the hills are still left many of the splendid 
mansions of olden time, which have long been a pride to the 
neighborhood. 

With the larger parks described in the earlier part of this 



work, we find that the grand summary of named and existing 
parks amounts to 3,8:50 acres, while those without names count 
up to fifteen acres, and including the four parkways of 211 acres, 
the total area of pirkland in the Bronx includes over 4,000 
acres — truly a good showing! 





' *'; - ■ ~i 





The Heine Monument. 16 1st Street and Mott Avenu? 



CHAPTER XXIX 



RAILROADS 



General Description and History of the Railroads of the Bronx from Early Days to the Present 



"The New York and Harlem Railroad," says an old Gazet- 
teer, "commences near the City Hall in New York and extends 
north ... to the Harlem River, a distance of eight miles ; thence 
across the river into Westchester County. This company was 
first chartered in 1831, while in 1840 it was authorized to extend 
its road from the Harlem River through the County of West- 
chester. The track is now finished to William's Bridge, where 
it crosses Bronx River, a distance of i^y'z miles from the City 
Hall." 

In 1855 the New York and Harlem Railroad issued its fourth 
time table, quite a notable contrast to the documents of to-day. 
Tllie stations were City Hall, Thirty-second Street, Yorkville, 
Harlem, Mott Haven, Melrose, Morrisania, Fordham, William's 
Bridge, etc. The longest distance was between Morrisania and 
Fordham, but there were "flag stations" at Central Morrisania 
(.Claremont ParkJ and Upper Morrisania (.Tremont). 

The old Morrisania station was, 1 believe, destroyed after 
the depression of the tracks; the old Central Morrisania station 
stands on the easterly side of Park Avenue, just north of I72d 
Street, while the former Tremont station was used as a hall 
for the Suburban Club, at tlie southwestern corner of Park 
Avenue and 176th Street. The old Fordham station was merely 
an engine house transformed into a station. While being pulled 
down, the large door where the locomotives used to enter was 
plainly visible. 

The fuel used for feeding the engines and heating the cars 
was wood, and this caused the engine's pipes to freeze in cold 
weather, so that the reason given for the frequent delays was : 
"We had to thaw out !" 

Above William's Bridge there was but a single track for 
the Harlem trains, alongside of which was another for the New 
Haven trains. Great was the excitement when races between 
the two lines took place, and it is recorded that the Harlem road 
used to have an engine with a single driving wheel that was 
never beaten by any of the New Haven locomotives ! 

What a change does this present to the famous "Harlem 
Branch" of the New York Central Railroad, with its four 
tracks to Woodlawn, and the fast trains of, not only the Harlem 
Branch but the New York Central proper, and t;he New York, 
New Haven and Hartford Railroads flying over the partly de- 
pressed and partly elevated sections ! 



Another division of the New York Central— the Putnam 
Branch— connects with the Elevated Road at issth Street, and, 
crossing the Harlem River, runs parallel with the New York 
Central to Kingsbridge, where it extends due north to Van 
Cortlandt. Here the Yonkers branch climbs the rocky hills of 
■Van Cortlandt Park, while the main line continues due north. 

Great improvements are promised by the New York Central, 
as it proposes to make a shorter line between Kingsbridge and 
Spuyten Duyvil, eliminating about seven dangerous grade cross- 
ings. 

The Suburban service of the New York, New Haven and 
Hartford Road connects with the Elevated Railway at Harlem, 
extending through the eastern portion of our borough. It is 
the best route for reaching Westchester and Bartow (Pelham 
Bay Park and City Island). Its terminus is New Rochelle, 
where it joins the main line. The immense volume of freight 
that is daily hauled over these tracks, to say nothing of the 
fast Federal and Colonial Express passenger trains that run be- 
tween Boston and Washington, have led the company to dis 
cuss plans of making this Harlem River Branch a six-track 
road, and doing away with all grade crossings and steep grades 
that are such a trial to the freight engineer. 

The famous "Huckleberry Road," was one of the character- 
istics of the olden time, its horse cars running so slowly that 
it was an easy task to alight and pick huckleberries without so 
much as waking the slumbering driver or the plodding horses. 
To-day the brilliantly lighted cars of its successor, the Union 
Railway Company, are striving to keep pace with the fast ad- 
vancing tide of population. Compare a tiny bob-tail car of the 
old Huckleberry Road with one of the glittering new monsters 
of the Union Railway, and one would seem to be placing side 
by side a pigmy and a giant. Some of the old cars are said to 
have found their way to the City Island line, and this fact 
seems quite probable. 

With the advent of the Suburban Elevated Road, a great 
impetus was given to the growth of this section. Once upon a 
time the road ran one-car trains. Now the long string of seven 
cars rumbles over the structure, up to Bronx Park, the present 
terminal. The branch of the Subway Extension has at the 
present writing been opened to West Farms and Bronx Park, 
with a tunnel under 149th Street and the Harlem River to Lenox 
Avenue, Manhattan. 



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CHAPTER XXX 



HUNT'S POINT 



The Vyse Mansion — The Old Hunt Inn — Foxhurst — The Failc Estate — The Spofford Mansion — The Leggett 

Cemetery — The Baretto Mansion The Hunt Cemetery — Joseph Rodman Drake — 

The Hunt Mansion — Lafayette Lane 



In earlier Jays, the old West Farms Road, after passing the 
residence of that veteran practitioner, Dr. Freeman, climbed the 
hill towards the south, passing on its right one of this borough's 
most picturesque mansions. The whole surrounding district is 
known as the "Vyse Estate" in honor of the owner of the tract 
whose earlier proprietor was Thomas Richardson. Countless 
houses now stand where, a few years ago, clustered a perfect 
bower of trees with a stately colonnaded mansion in their midst. 
The' once extensive grounds were a model of rural beauty. 
Grottos, aviaries, statues, conservatories abounded everywhere, 
thus giving rise to the appropriate naine "Rocklands." Where 
the broad Intervale Avenue now extends was once a deer park, 
with its wire enclosure, while five miles of beautifully graveled 




Old Hunt Inn 

roads wound in and out through the estate — just the thing for 
bicycles — only there were none at that time ! 

Last to disappear was the Vyse Mansion itself, exemplify- 
ing in its graceful Corinthian colunms the true Southern style 
of architecture. An old gentleman once told me that on the 
ground floor was the dining hall, underneath that the kitchen, 
a cellar still below, while further down yet, three stories under- 
ground, was a dark and gloomy sub-cellar, no doubt a storage 
place for the choicest of wines. 

What boasted to be the very oldest building in the Borough 
of the Bronx was the "Old Hunt Inn," otherwise known as the 
"Fox Farm House." It stood on the west side of the West 
Farms Road, the old thoroughfare down to Hunt's Point, a 
short distance below Home Street, near where 167th Street now 



crosses. Through the negligence of some tramp or other irre- 
sponsible person, it was destroyed by fire on Easter Day, 1892. 
The main portion was built of old-fashioned split shingles, filled 
in with brick, while a low sloping roof and a wing of stone 
added to the picturesque effect. Close by was a smaller build- 
ing which an old resident told me was used as a smoke house. 

1660 is given as the date of erection, the land on which 
it stood forming part of the thousand acres granted in 1660 by 
Governor Nicholls on behalf of the Duke of York to Edward 
Jessup and John Richardson, who had bought it from the 
Indians. Both of these men died soon afterwards without male 
issue, Jessup's daughter marrying a Mr. Hunt and Richardson's 
daughter a Mr. Leggett. Both of these Hunt and Leggett 
families were among the earliest residents in this section. The 
large tract of land was divided between the Hunts and Leggetts, 
and the land lying to the west of the West Farms Road went to 
the Hunts, the Leggetts having other property, including land 
on the east side of the road. 

According to early accounts the Hunts built the place for a 
residence, soon afterwards turning it into an inn. On an old 
document we see that in 1661 John Hunt was licensed to sell 
beer there at threepence a pint. In a short time the inn became 
well known, and within its walls Colonel Oliver De Lancey, com- 
mander of the Loyalist forces in Westchester County, together 
with a number of other gentlemen, made it their rendezvous to 
meet the officers of the British troops in Queens County and go 
fox hunting. The Colonel himself was Master of the Hounds, 
the fox being started at the junction of West Farms Road and 
Westchester Turnpike. 

For this reason the point became known as "Fox Corners." 
I always thought that this name was derived from the I'ox family, 
but it seems that the fox hunts were in vogue long before this 
family came into possession. On the stylish coaches that ran 
from New York through this region, the name "Fox Corners" 
was always conspicuously displayed. 

History tells us that the old house was no longer used as 
an inn after 1700, although the Hunts still lived there. In 1816 
the Leggetts purchased it from the Hunts, and it was afterwards 
used as a farm house. During the last two years of its exist- 
ence it was not used at all. Towards the middle of the last 
century the old house in some way caught fire, and when the 
big chimney was pulled down in order to rebuild it, several most 
interesting relics were discovered, hidden in the chimney wall. 
Among these was a inusket, so decayed as to fall to pieces at 
the touch; also a slipper of the style worn in the time of King 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



Edward VI., having a chain from the toe to be attached to the 
knee of the wearer. These are all preserved as treasures in the 
Tiffany family, who are descendants of the original Leggelts 
There is also a packet of letters addressed to the Leggetts and 
bearing the date 1750. 

In the angle between West Farms Road and Westchester 
Turnpike stands one of our very finest old-time mansions, the 
squarely built, stately "Foxhurst." Those now living in this 




The Locusts, Hunt's Point Road 

grand old residence are the descendants of nine generations wlio 
have been born and spent their lives on this early patent, which 
was granted to their ancestors as far back as 1681 "Foxhurst" 
itself was built sixty-six years ago by William W. Fox for his 
country residence. Indeed at that time New York City did not 
extend much beyond Fourteenth Street. What would the peo- 
ple of those days say if they could hear us talking about 242J 
Street? At the time when Mr. Fox built his house, 167th Street, 
which passes just to the rear of the mansion, was nothing but 
a country lane leading through green fields to Boston Road. At 
about the centre of the present Fox Estate stood the old stone 
"Fox Barn," at the present intersection of 167th and i69lh 
Streets. When I saw it not long ago, scarcely more than two 
dozen stones remained to mark tlie spot. These stones used 
in its construction, came from tlie old "House of Refuge," in 
Madison Square, New York City. 

Almost directly in front of the Fox Mansion can be seen 
the old line of the Hunt's Point Road, where it turned eastward 
crossing the grounds of the late Richard M. Hoe, towards Hunt's 
Point. To passers by it would appear that this "Foxhurst" is 
located in a specially selected site; facing the sharp point of the 
former triangle where Westchester Turnpike and West Farms 
Road now meet. Yet I have been told that when Mr. Fox 
sought a place for his residence, the owner said to him : "Thee 
can have the old orchard between the roads!" 

To Mr. W. W. Fox, New Yorkers owe far more tlian is 
generally known. He was largely instrumental in introducing 
gas and water into the city, being president of the first gas 
company in America as well as one of the original Croton Water 
Commissioners. No better man could Governor Marcy pos- 
sibly have appointed on this Commission. His name may be 
found carved in the solid granite of the graceful High Bridge, 
and long may it remain there ! 

Right here it may be noted that at a meeting of the Board 
of Aldermen, held over a year ago, a resolution was unanimously 
adopted, bestowing the name of "Fox Square" on the little park 
in front of the Fox Mansion, in recognition of the many services 
of Mr. W. W. Fox. 



A single visit to this grand old "Foxhurst" is enough to 
convince one that it is as splendid within as it is massive with- 
out. Indeed a whole modern apartment might easily be placed 
in the spacious hallway ! Near the front door is an antiqu' 
carved chest brought over by the Puritans in 1630. while the re- 
ception room contains, among the many other curiosities, a 
strangely shaped Algerian sword, that probably has seen service 
on the plains of far distant Africa. 

Close to the winding and shaded Hunt's Point Road arc 
many majestic mansions, probably soon to disappear from sight 
for evermore. After crossing the railroad bridge, one comes to 
an ancient house, erected before the Revolution, and styled "The 
Locusts." It is on the extensive Faile estate, where the late E. 
G. Faile, an importer of tea and sugar, erected about 1832 the 
stately mansion still standing on the high bluff, with its im- 
posing row of Doric columns, which has always been a land- 
mark to those passing up and down the Sound. Later on Mr 
Faile increased his holdings to one hundred acres. "Woodside" 
was the appropriate name given to the "Faile Manor," and it is 
said that among the chief attractions on the velvety lawn was 
a flock of peacocks, while still to be seen near the "Manor 
House" is a cedar of Lebanon, now dead two years, a gift from 
a United States Consul. When Mr. Faile made his first pur- 
chase here, in 1832, the old house known as "The Locusts," was 
of course there, and he turned it into a sort of a private school, ' 
the tutor. Walter Chisholni, formerly a teacher in Sir Walter 
Scott's family, having been summoned from Scotland by Mr. 
Faile to take charge here. 

A great lover of horses, Mr. Faile used to import them from 
Porto Rico in sailing vessels, each horse costing about $1,000 to 







ifaJL 



Sign.uurcs of Tliomas and L lizabeth Hunt 

bring to Woodside. He kept three especially fast horses to use 
in driving to Chambers Street every morning, returning thence 
at niglit. Leaving Woodside at seven, he would drive down 
the old Boston Road, across the Harlem Flats, never failing to 
reach Iiis Chambers Street warehouse punctually at nine. 

We learn that Mr. Faile was born and brought up at his 
father's estate near Eastchester, almost opposite the Fifteenlli 
Mile-Stone, the estate consisting of 200 acres on both sides of 
Boston Road, even extending as far east as the Old Mill Lane. 
On the old maps may yet be seen the outline of a part of the 
"G. Faile Estate," bordering on the road that led to the old town 
dock of Eastchester. 

By following the winding and beautifully shaded Hunt's 
Point Road, to a spot just in front of the Colonial looking 
Spofford Mansion — ^also built by the Fox family, and near the 
site of an old Leggett house — we come to a spot where, a num 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



89 



ber of years ago, was discovered tlie tiny Leggett burying ground. 
Among the remains of ten bodies tliat were exhumed and re- 
interred in St. Peter's Church yard, Westchester, was that of 
Mayor Leggett of Westchester. Several old coffin nails were 
discovered, also William Leggett's sleeve buttons, various pieces 
of homespun linen and tufts of women's hair. Most curious 
of all was a set of brass coffin nails, once the inscription of the 
lid, clinging to a few pieces of rotting wood. Although six 
feet below the surface they were as bright as when placed in 
the ground, and read : 

WILLIAM LEGGETT, 
AGED 7i YEARS. 

A short distance further down Hunt's Point Road, close to 
the old gates of the Barretto estate, we come to a stone wall that 
marked the old division between the "Planting Neck," called by 
the Indians "Quinnahung," and Hunt's Point proper. To-day 
all is merged in the name "Hunt's Point," but formerly the dis- 
tinctions were clearly drawn. 

Beyond the stone wall, on the right hand side of the road, is 
a spring, near which stood the two houses of Edward Jessup and 
John Richardson, the first settlers in this region. Just above 
this, branching to the west may be traced the ancient "Cherry 
Lane," formerly leading to the old Leggett Dock, with a branch 
towards the location of an old Leggett house. These were 
pointed out to me a short time ago by one of the oldest residents 
of the vicinity. 




Signature of Thomas Hunt, Tr. 

On a slight elevation back from Hunt's Point Road, used to 
stand the old Barretto Mansion, one of the famous landmarks of 
the region. A friend who had resided there, once showed me 
through it, dwelling especially upon the thick and solid inside 
blinds, which when closed made the old house a veritable fort- 
ress, claiming that it was proof both against the bullets of the 
foe and the daming darts of the Indians. 

One who lived in West Farms speaks thus of Mr. Baretto : 
"Here comes Francis J. Barretto, tall, majestic, dignified, yet ur- 
bane, a gentleman of the old school, his snow-white hair stand- 
ing above his dark brow. Lovely as is his 'dcmcurc' by the 
waters of the Sound, scarce a day passes but he must visit the 
village over which he exercises a sort of fatherly care." 

Beyond where the Hunt's Point Road turns to the left is 
"a modest shaft, half hidden by the tangle of bushes and wild 
flowers that border the road, marking the grave of a poet who 
knew and loved our own neighborhood in the early days when 
all was country-like and the city far away — Joseph Rodman 
Drake." 

Among the relics from the Old Hunt Inn was discovered 
a pane of glass in one of the windows, on which were written 
with a diamond the names of "Joseph Rodman Drake" and 
"Nancy Leggett." joined at the end with a bracket and the word 
"Love." This has been most carefully preserved. Drake him- 
self says: 



"Yet I will look upon thy face again, 

My own romantic Bronx, and it will be 
A face more pleasant than the face of men. 

Thy waves are old companions ; I shall see 
A well remembered form in each old tree. 

And hear a voice long loved in thy wild minstrelsy." 

"There we find located the grave of a man who, of all 
others in this country, should have a noble monument erected to 
him by a patriotic people. Yet there his remains lie in the 
solitude, neglected, almost forgotten. Monuments are raised 
amid the acclaim of the people and the booming of cannon to 
poets who have been born on foreign shores, but Joseph Rod- 
man Drake lies in an almost unknown grave." 

Born in New York in 1795, he decided to study medicine, 
but never practiced it to any extent, as his health failed and he 
was obliged to go South, returning a few years before his 
death. The simple inscription on his monument reads: 

Sacred 

to the memory 

of 

Joseph R. Drake, M. D., 

who died Sept. 21st, 

1820 

aged 25 years. 

"None knew him but to love him. 

Nor named him but to praise." 

The last two lines are taken from the well known poem by 
Drake's life-long friend and companion, Fitz-Greene Halleck. 

"Even in the desolate old cemetery we realize some of his 
poetic phrases; we feel the breeze 'fresh springing from the 
lips of morn ;' we see the humbird with 'his sun touched wings ;' 
we hear the carol of the finch and the 'winding of the merry 
locust's horn' above the grave where the poet rests. As we look 
out upon the landscape flooded with sunshine and domed by 
a cloudless sky, we are reminded of other summer days, when, 
in its happier state, this spot was a grateful resting-place in his 
walks afield ; then we think of that last sad summer, of the 
early autumn day when loving hands laid him here for the last 
long sleep, and of the sorrow-stricken Halleck protesting, as he 




Hunt Mansion 

went forth from this place: 'There will be less sunshine for 
me hereafter, now that Joe is gone.' " 

Drake placed a very modest estimate on his works, and it 
is believed that but a small portion of them have been pre- 
served. While lying on his death-bed, a friend inquired of him 
what to do with his poems. "Oh, burn them," he replied. "They 
are quite valueless." 



90 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



As the last official maps show tliat it is purposed to run a 
street directly through this burying-grouud, it is proposed to 
lay out a "Joseph Rodman Drake Park." and at a recent hearing 
before the official board many prominent people were present 
and spoke strongly in its favor. 

"It is a sacred spot," said a prominent resident, "where even 
the most exalted personage in the land could profitably pause 
a while in silent meditation, as did Lafayette when he re-visited 
our country in 1824." 

In an unmarked grave, says an aulliority. within the lines 



They should be permitted to sleep on, in their honored gray 
'with all their country's wishes blest.'" 

Another historic park is laid out for a breathing plai 
directly opposite, where are buried the remains of the slav 
of the early residents, and the body of "Bill," the colored pil 
of the ill-fated "Hussar," which, as we have seen, went asho 
on North Brother Island in 1780. 

Crossing the bridge just beyond the Hunt Cemetery, \ 
find a series of mounds said to have been thrown up when Lo 
Howe's vessels were in the neighborhood. The remains of the 



vt»iV« 




Joseph Rodman Drake's Monument 



of Whittier Street, have lain since 1666 the remains of Magistrate 
Edward Jessup. We may also name a few more of the graves 
in this little enclosure: Thomas Hunt the third, the father of 
the patriot, Thomas Hunt the fourth; Thomas Hunt the fourth, 
the revered patriot and peaceful Quaker, who, like Adams, Jef- 
ferson and Monroe, died on July Fourth. This man, so the 
same authority tells us, was the friend of Washington, upon 
whose courage and thorough knowledge of the country our 
great leader implicitly relied. 

"This little cemetery is also the final resting place of veter- 
ans of the various Colonial wars and of Continental soldiers, 
also members of the Hunt, Leggett, Willett and allied families. 



may still be seen, a short distance below the bridge, among 
clump of trees, on the left hand side of the road. 

One who visited the spot about twenty years ago gives tl 
following interesting description : "A few miles from Harle 
is a road leading frotn West Farms to the Great Planting Nee 
upon which are many ancient and modern country seats. C 
these perhaps the most ancient stands at the southern extremi 
of the Neck on an estate which for almost 200 years has bet 
known as Hunt's Point. It passed into the hands of Thom; 
Hunt by marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of Edward Jessu 
one of the first patentees. The old mansion, erected in 168 
occupies a charming situation overlooking the Sound and Flusl 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



9t 



ing Bay. and near the mouth of the Bronx River, celebrated in 
song by Joseph Rodman Drake. The Hunt family continued 
to own and occupy the property until several years ago. when it 
passed into other hands. During its occupation by the Hunts 
a small tract of rising ground, comprising less than an acre, was 
used by tliem as a burial place." 

On the modern maps is shown in large letters : "Lafayette 
Avenue," branching ofif at right angles from the Hunt's Point 
Road. The reason for this, as told me by one of the best au- 
thorities, is because Lafayette once traveled over this section. 
In 1824. while on his way from Boston to New York, his course 
was down through Westchester and along Hunt's Point Road 



from Fo.x Corners, presumably to stay at one of the Leggett 
houses, George Fox being one of the marshals of a deputation 
of New York citizens to meet and escort him. 

"Lafayette Lane" was the country road, now widened, which 
extended in front of what was known afterwards as the Faile 
House, leading from the Hunt's Point Road down the hill 
through Mr. Leggett's fields, across the rural gorge spanned by 
the "Kissing Bridge" to a point north of the present "Longwood 
Club House," reaching Westchester Turnpike near Longwood 
Avenue. From this point Lafayette must have journeyed down 
across the old Harlem Bridge towards New York City. 




Hunt House. Boston Road 



CHAPTER XXXI 



JEROME PARK RESERVOIR 



Jerome Park — Old Bathgate Houses — Remains of Old Redoubt — Old Croton Aqueduct — Jerome Park Reservoir- 
Polo Club House 



Ten years ago we should have headed this chapter simply 
"Jerome Park. " fo-day, however, we must say "Jerome Park 
Reservoir," the tower of the High Pressure Pumping Station 
which, about 300 feet above sea level — is a landmark for many 
miles around. 

Within the limits of the future Jerome Park Reservoir were 
several relics of the past, to omit which, would render this 
history incomplete. Oldest of all was the ancient Boston Post 
Road, which seemed to be fated to lie in the path of the city's 
water supply, as it is destroyed in great part by both the Jerome 
Park and Willianisbridge Reservoirs. As we have seen, this 
early highway was built about 1672, and I can just remember 
its running through the place where steam shovel and steam drill 
are now hard at work. From here the roadway extended east- 
ward to Willianisbridge, where, on the high grounds, a large 
section is gouged out of it by the Willianisbridge Reservoir. 

In the racing days of Jerome Park, great crowds came from 
the city to see the speeding. The Grand Stand was crowded, 
the great Club House and ball room were a scene of brilliant 
gayety. Where is that ball room now? Moved quite a distance 
to the north, and for a long time used as a power station for the 
reservoir and now nothing of it remains but the lower part of the 
chimney, the rest having been demolished by dynamite ! 

An old road, branching off from the Kingsbridge Road close 
to the Dutch Reformed, or "Manor Church," led to the north 
through the reservoir, until the Boston Post Road was reached. 
Near this were two fine old Bathgate houses, one of which is 
still standing, while the other, situated upon a high hill, has 
long since been eaten away by the steam drills and shovels. The 
latter was the homestead of J. Bathgate, formerly shaded by a 
number of most picturesque pine, spruce and elm trees. An old- 
fashioned mansion, ov^r 130 years old, it was surrounded by 
three distinct groups of three trees each. A long disused well 
at the rear, with heavy logs on top covered with two feet of 
earth, was only discovered by the merest chance while driving 
a stake. It was about 50 feet deep, sunk into the solid rock, 
with a curious recess at the bottom, into which pieces of wood 
would float and disappear from sight. In later years the man- 
sard roof, as well as the wing were added. Each room had its 
own fireplace, while the kitchen could boast of ancient iron bolts 
for holding a crane, with a wooden board above, having the 
words : 

J. BATHGATE, 

evidently inscribed with a branding iron. Nor must we omit 
to mention that the window seats in the dining-room furnished 
unmistakable evidence of a solid stone foundation at least eigh- 
teen inches thick. 



At the southwestern corner of the new reservoir is an old .. 
fort or redoubt. While standing within it, I could quite plainly J 
make out its shape. Although not shown on a "made-up" map 1 
of this region during the early days, it was alternately occupied 1 
by the American and English forces, being quite close to Fort In- 
dependence. J 

In the lower ground below this old breastwork were dis- ) 
covered five gold guineas, of the reigns of George II. and III. j 
Near them was a crumbling skeleton and a long bayonet bent into \ 
a parabolic shape. It is thought that the guineas belonged to 
some officer, and had been originally in a purse, which had long 1 
since decayed. They are in wonderfully perfect condition, the j 
milling being clear in every detail. That they are guineas, and 
not sovereigns, adds greatly to their interest. 

As the reservoir covers a territory that was fought over 
and over again during the first years of the Revolution, the 
recent excavations have brought to light chain shot, cannon 




Bathgate House 

balls and musket bullets, numerous bayonets, a number of rusted 
knife and sword blades, skulls and skeletons, and the remains of 
soldiers, American and British, who lost their lives in the 
skirmishes of that historic period. 

In general outline, the 299 acres of the new reservoir re- 
semble a lady's hand mirror, with the handle toward the south. 
At the north end enter the two aqueducts, the old one, finished in 
1842, and the new one, completed in 1890. The first one, which 
had carried water from the Croton River to the City of New 
York, was in the main above ground, being an oval shell of 
brickwork, crossing the Harlem at Highbridge. One of the 
commissioners appointed for the building of this older aqueduct 
by Governor Marcy, as we have seen, was W. W. Fox, former 
owner of the Fox estate. To make sure that the work was 
properly done, he walked the entire distance inside, makmg a 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



93 



personal inspection of everything and it can well be said that 
of all the names carved on the High Bridge, none deserves a 
more prominent place than his. This old aqueduct, although 
broken in many places, is still existing inside the reservoir at 
the present writing. I once imitated Mr. Fox's example, in a 
very limited sense, but after walking about twenty-five feet in 
the darkness, I hurriedly retraced my steps and made for the 
light of day. It is said that the "Croton Maid," a little vessel 
especially built for that purpose and holding four persons, was 
placed in the aqueduct at its upper end on June 22. 1842. when 
the water ■yi'as admitted, and thus the tiny boat made her novel 
voyage to the Harlem River. 

Far underground, the much larger new Croton Aqueduct 
carries the waters in place of the old, and when the Jerome 
Park Reservoir is completed both will be in operation, while 
further to the east the Bronx Aqueduct from Kensico Lake 
will be a third supply for the Bronx. 

When finished the big reservoir will be divided into two 
sections by a wall running practically north and south, thus 
forming two reservoirs, side by side. In order to have this 
dividing line rest on solid rock, it is far from being straight. 
On top of the wall run the old aqueduct and the new one, the 
former being about to be destroyed, as it is no longer needed, 
since it is to be incorporated in the division wall. 

Perhaps the best idea of this enormous work is at present 
to be gained from what is known as "Gate House No. 5." There 
are also a number of smaller gate houses around the reservoir 
to supply different sections of this region. This Gate House No. 
5, I have been told, will cost $750,000. At this place, the gate 
chambers, divided by great brick arches, are described as re- 
sembling cloisters, in the dim cold light that comes from the 
manholes. I have climbed down the perpendicular iron ladders 
to the bottom of this gate house, and have passed from chamber 
to chamber. I have also seen the viaduct, strongly resembling 
High Bridge on a small scale, which when the work is done 
and the water admitted will be almost submerged. It is a via- 
duct in every sense, as it is intended merely as a bridge to 
walk to "Shaft 21" of the new aqueduct, which, when all is 
complete, will be opened and its waters allowed to fill the gigan- 
reservoir. On the top of this "Gate House No. 5" is a 
large number of immense brass stopcocks, resembling capstans, 
to operate the heavy iron gates used to shut off and let on 
the water as it arrives through the aqueduct. 

Several interesting computations have been made, as fol- 
lows: Beginning with 3,730,000 cubic yards of earth excava- 
tion and 3,165,000 yards of solid rock, adding 392,000 cubic yards 
of masonry, 53,000 tons of bricks and 3.550 tons of iron pipes 
and castings, we would have a train of 11,000,000 horses and 
carts, forming a procession 41,666 miles long, almost enough 
to go twice around the world. The total weight of this. 14.000.- 
000 tons, if loaded on cars, would number 742.500 cars, reaching 
6,214 miles. If divided into trains of 45 cars each, 16,500 engmes 
would be required to haul it. One authority adds that the rock 
to be taken out is alone about equal in quantity to that which 



was put into the Great Pyramid of Egypt when it was finished. 

On the west side of the division wall is the West Basin, at 
present almost finished. I have often stood in what is to be 
the East Basin, now a foramidable chaos. Engines, trains of dirt, 
and gravel and Italians innumerable swarm on all sides. Steam 
shovels are hard at work eating away the banks. When I was 
once there this iron monster had encountered a rock ledge, and it 
was necessary lor the steam drills to work night and day to keep 
ahead of it. Far to the north the engineer's house seems to 
overlook the whole work. The Oak Ridge Club House used to 
stand in the western half, but this has been cut into two sections, 
and it now stands on Sedgwick Avenue, west of the reservoir. 

Among the most wonderful sights I have ever seen is the 
series of blasts that are fired twice a day. Standing in front 
of the once elegant Polo Club House, a magnificent view of them 
may be obtained as they go off, with a volume of sound like the 
roar of artillery. On one occasion I saw the whole of a hillside 
slide down at once, a huge cloud of dust immediately concealing 
the whole from view. 

Originally a sugar box farm house, this Polo Club 
House was enlarged and remodeled by James Gordon 
Bennett into a magnificently designed building when Jerome 
Park was in the zenith of its popularity. I have visited 
many old houses in the Bronx, but I do not hesitate to 
say that this one shows the greatest evidence of its former 
elegance. The beautiful ball room, with its gorgeous chandelier, 
the massive oaken door, the oak stair cases and stained glass 
windows all betoken the sumptuous lavishment of wealth. At 
present writing the outlook is not so promising. The never- 
satisfied steam shovel has approached to within a few feet of 
the building, and the gigantic forest trees that once surrounded 
the entrance are being hewn down one by one. Standing upon 
an "island" of its own, it seems that the day has far passed for 
any possibility of its being removed, so the beautiful mansion, 
with all its associations of the past, will probably be destroyed 
not long hence. The day before I visited this polo club house. 
I happened to be at the old "Foxhurst" Mansion at Fox Corners, 
erected in 1840. "I sincerely hope this stately old mansion will 
be here for many years to come," I said to a gentleman residing 
there, who knows the Bronx almost by heart. "No. indeed." he 
responded. "Its days are almost at an end. If the Westchester 
and Boston Railroad is built, it will go in at the front door and 
out the rear door !" 

When Jerome Park was in vogue as a race track, the main 
carriage entrance was at what is now Jerome Avenue and 198th 
Street. There was a large gateway with two iron gates. When 
work was begun on the reservoir about 1896 this structure was 
moved up to Jerome Avenue and Boston Post or the Colonial 
Road. The original huge figures on the gateway were "1866." 
With the new order of things, the first "6" was turned upside 
down so as to read "l8g6," and it seems a great pity that the 
whole gateway should have to disappear after so many years 
of service. 




r'lmii^'"""'!'"""^"^""^'-"""^^ 







OLD MAP OF ORIGINAL WEST FARMS 



V;' 



CHAPTER XXXII 



THE BLACK SWAMP AND HIGHBRIDGEVILLE 



The Mysterious Black Swamp — The Old Cromwell House — The Townsend Poole Cottage — Featherbed Lane- 

The De Voe Residence — Andrew Corsa 



The old lane that led from the Zborowski to the Stebbins 
Mansions did not run in a straight direction — far from it. It 
made a regular "U" of itself, so as to avoid what has recently 
puzzled engineers and contractors — the famous "Black Swamp." 
I had been told of the loss of a number of Mr. Zborowski's 
blooded cattle at night, and I have heard of school children who 
had occasion to pass this way. arriving at school with their 
clothing a mass of mud, but I was entirely imaware of the 
cause. Situated in the dense thickets behind Claremont Park, 
its name has clung to it, ever since the time of the Indians, who 
superstitiously regarded it as tlie resort of evil spirits. When 
the early settlers found to their dismay that its depths engulfed 



summoned, who gave the following report: "We find two thin 
ledges of hard, stony earth, the first ten, and the second si.xty 
feet below the surface. Water fills the spaces between these 
ledges, while beneath the lower ledge is a deep cavity which the 
drills and measuring lines cannot fathom." It was the sudden 
collapsing of these ledges that caused the masses of filling to 
sink out of sight so unexpectedly. 

Various are the explanations of this strange phenomenon. 
Some think there is a swift underground river emptying into 
the Harlem, a full mile away, or into Long Island Sound, three 
miles distant, which carries off with mighty force everything 
thrown into it. In .South America there is a lake without any 




The Bl.ick Sw.imp 



llieir cattle whenever they came near it. they carefully surround- 
ed its area with a rough fence. 

For many years, even centuries, it lay forgotten, until the 
city authorities sought to open Morris Avenue through this 
harmless looking pond. What, then, was the amazement of 
the contractor to find that 60,000 cubic yards of filling had sud- 
denly sunk out of sight into the quiet surface of this remarkable 
pit! At last, however, the work seemed to bring good results 
and the earth was filled in to the required level. But ne.xt morn- 
ing smiles were suddenly turned to dismay. Every particle of 
new earth had disappeared as if by magic into the mouth of the 
mysterious swamp ! A party of expert engineers was hastily 



nutlet, while one readily recalls the unaccountable mysteries of 
the Great Salt Lake, the Caspian and the Dead Seas. Sub- 
terranean human beings are fancifully described in Bulwer Lyt- 
ton's novel, "The Coming Race," and Jules Verne in his "Jour 
ney to the Center of the Earth." 

This old lane, as we have seen, terminated at the squarely 
built residence of Mrs. Stebbins, which, standing on the high 
crest of land overlooking Cromwell's Creek, has fallen a prey 
to the pitiless flames, while Cromwell's Creek is slowly but surely 
being filled in. but the old Cromwell Farm House, to the east 
of Jerome Avenue, below 167th Street, is still an object of 
curiosity. The oldest part of this abode has stood there for 



96 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



I4S years, according to the residents. It once fronted on a 
slanting roadway, long since closed, a portion of which, formerly 
(and properly) styled Marcher Avenue, mounts the steep hill 
towards Highbridgeville. 

There is an interesting story about this Cromwell House, 
recently told me by an old resident of the vicinity. In days 
long gone by, the occupants of the old building used to rise every 




CromwcU Farm House 

night at midnight and fire off a shot gun to frighten away the 
fJocks of wild geese whose weird cries rendered sleep impossible. 

On the later maps Cromwell Avenue will come very near, if 
it does not go directly through, the venerable Cromwell House. 
If so, our borough will lose one of its very oldest landmarks, 
though comparatively unknown. 

Macomb's Road once led from De Voe's Point at Macomb's 
Dam Bridge, following the line of Jerome Avenue and branching 
from it at about 170th Street. Gradually it ascended the hill, 
past the quaint Townsend Poole Cottage, built, according to the 
figures in the stonework, in 1782. To read these figures is 
doubly difficult. First they are written backward, and again 
they are obscured by a mass of thick vines. Inside this tiny 
abode was quartered the little band of Esquimaux, brought here 
by Lieutenant Peary several years ago. I once called upon them, 
but as I knew no Esquimaux and they no English, our conversa- 
tion was carried on by means of signs and gestures. 

To the north of this cottage Featherbed Lane crosses Ma- 
comb's Road. The strange name given to this lane is accounted 
for in two ways ; one because the farmers' wives once spread a 




Townsend Poole Cottage 

large number of feather beds on the lane, to enable a band of 
Americans to escape silently from their foes, while the second 
was supposed to be a piece of sarcasm because, the lane was 
once so extremely rough and bristled with all kinds of stones. 
Here are the two stories ; the reader may take his choice. 

On Jessup Place, a short distance east of Washington 
Bridge, is one of the oldest houses in this vicinity — the ancient 



De Voe residence, tlie section on which it stands having been 
in the possession of the family since 1694. The large De Voe 
farm was divided by Charles De Voe, Sr., into three sections 
for his three sons, giving his daughters certain sums of money. 
Thus the old house on Jessup Place, built in 1804, was on the 
northern of the three sections, and has passed into the hands 
of the present occupant, Mr. John H. De Voe. The family is 
of Huguenot origin, the original spelling being De Veaux. Other 
methods are Devoe, De Voor, De Vau, De Vos, De Vore, De 
Voore, Du Fower, and De Four, with many other variations. 

Mr. De Voe's wife is a descendant of the famous Andrew 
Corsa, the last of the Westchester guides, who lived at the 
southwest corner of w-hat is now the Southern Boulevard and 
Webster Avenue. Although hidden behind the many newer 
buildings, the old well was still discernible, which stood close to 
the Andrew Corsa house. The white building just south of the 
well stood practically on the site of the older one, and Mr. De 
Voe well remembers, when a boy, talking to Andrew Corsa him- 
self and accompanying him on walks. 

On the back of an early document signed by Stephanus Van 
Cortlandt, we find that a "certain neck of land joining the Har- 
lem River, beginning at a certain spring or run of water to the 




De Voe Cottage 

south of Crabb Island, which is the southeast corner of the land 

of John Archer's so round lo Harlem River which parcel 

of land, containing 184 acres was sold to Ffrederick Devon 

for the sum of 14 pounds." This was in the year 1694. 

Andrew Corsa was born in 1762, at Rose Hill, within the 
limits of St. John's College, afterwards removing to a farm 
almost directly opposite, where in 1852 he died. He performed 
inestimable services for the patriot cause, and, the youngest of 
all the Westchester Guides, was the last to die. "Minutely 
acquainted with the passes around Kingsbridge, Fordham 
and Morrisania, his services were anxiously sought." One 
incident in his exciting career may be related : When 
the allies were passing over the high ground near Mor- 
risania, and came in sight of the enemy, the fire which 
the British artillery opened upon them from Randall's Island 
and Snake Hill (Harlem), from the batteries at Harlem and 
from the warships in the river, was most terrible and incessant. 
Urging his horse forward at full speed, he rode for safety be- 
hind the old Morrisania Mill. Looking back, he saw Washing- 
ton, Rochambeau and the other officers riding calmly along under 
fire as if nothing unusual was occurring. Ashamed at having 
given way to an impulse of fear, he at once galloped back, 
resuming his place in the order of march. The commanding 
officers, with peals of laughter, were very cordial in welcoming 
him back and commending his courage. 



v^ 




CHAPTER XXXIII 



PLACES OF MORE RECENT INTEREST 



Old Mansions and Families in Bronx Borough — The Stenton Willow — Annexation in 1874 — Annexation in 1895 — 
The Concourse White Plains Road Widening — Westchester Avenue Widening — The Bronx as a 
Separate County — The Port Chester Railroad — The Subway, Existing and Planned — 
Coming Improvements of the Harlem Railroad — A Wonderful Prophecy Fulfilled 



A well known family moved into the Bronx on the day 
ihe first shot was fired at Fort Simipter, at the beginning 
of the Civil War. They are still living in the same homestead, 
although many other families can lay claim to a longer stay 
here. Great was the difficulty they experienced in getting to 
:ind from the city, especially during the time of the famous 
"Draft Riots." Even in peaceful times the light of a flickering 
lantern was necessary whenever they left home after dark. 
Twice has the avenue been graded in front of their house, and 
there is yet quite a perceptible grade, on which horses slip and 
slide in icy times. 

While speaking of grading avenues, I recall a splendid stone 
castle in the district generally known as East Morrisania, which, 
when I last visited it, was reached by a steep, winding roadway. 
Ihe latest news that I have heard from this place is that it is 




Fox Mansion 

left forty feet in the air by the cutting down of a neighboring 
avenue. But all clouds, they say, have their silver lining. Dur- 
ing the late coal strike, their bin was completely empty, their 
steam furnace stone cold, yet every radiator was well heated and 
the house as warm as anyone could wish. How was this mira- 
cle wrought? you will ask. Simply by making an arrangement 
with the contractor in charge of grading the avenue, who con- 
nected the steam pipes of the house, apparently useless, with his 
large stationery boiler, and in less time than it takes to tell the 
tale the house was as warm as toast! 

In looking over some papers, I came upon a map published 
in i860 and another dated 1868, showing that wealthy residents 
had established many country homes in our borough. From thes< 
I have gathered a few memoranda of the handsome country 



seats, together with the names of the residents : <'Ranaque," B. 
G. Arnold, on the end of Oak, formerly Arnold's Point; "Cosey 
Nook," W. M. Allen; "Castello de Casanova," Yglesias Casa- 
nova; "Blythe," Francis J. Barretto ; "Elmwood," P. N. Spofford; 
"Springhurst," G. S. Fox; "Greenbank," C. D. Dickey; "Sunny 
Slope," (one of the most beautiful and substantially built man- 
sions in the Bronx), P. A. Hoe; "Woodside," E. G. Faile; 
"Ambleside," J. B. Simpson and W. Simpson; "Brightside," 
Colonel R. M. Hoe, inventor of the "Rotary Printing Press," 
(also known as the "Lightning Press;" he was the brother of the 
former resident of "Sunny Slope;") "Foxhurst," formerly the 
residence of Mr. H. D. Tiffany, and "Rocklands," T. A. Vyse, 
formerly the home of Thomas Richardson. All these from 
"Blythe" forward stood on or near the old Hunt's Point Road, 
.ind are at the time of this chronicle, still in existence. 

Going back to the days when Mr. B. M. Whitlock dispensed 
free-handed hospitality at Casanova, some one has said that 
"among the guests he noted the head of Jordan L. Mott's Foun- 
ilry (after whom Mott Haven was named), Mr. Janes and Mr. 
kirtland, Mr. Jason Rogers, the locomotive builder, Samuel M. 
Purdy, Esq., the 'Nestor of the Westchester Bar,' Mr. Lewis G. 
.VIorris, Mr. William Watson, of Wilmont, a prominent linen 
merchant, and also representatives of the Secor, Lorillard and 
Pell families." The host, it is stated, seemed to place no value 
nn money on these occasions. During the early struggles of 
Cuba against the galling yoke of Spain, Senor Casanova, not un- 
mindful of his native land, used to store, so the story goes, in 
the subterranean passages beneath his stone castle, hidden muni- 
lions of war, waiting favorable opportunity for shipment, to aid 
Ihe struggling Cubans, several expeditions being secretly fitted 
out in the cove near the Castle. Indeed, several ships were said 
to have stolen in and out of the little natural harbor in front of 
the Castle, and freighted with war supplies, weighed anchor for 
the shores of Cuba. Here, we learn, the "Virginius" took aboard 
her cargo just before her capture by the Spaniards. 

At the outbreak of the last Cuban insurrection the house was 
again filled with revolutionists. When war was declared be- 
tween the United States and Spain, the grand old castle was 
closed for the last time, and Senor Casanova left the United 
States forever, dying soon afterwards. Within a short time 
the house was sold to a real estate company, and its early glory 
has departed forever. 

Following up the old Leggett's Lane, we come to the ruins 
sf Philip Dater's immense stone mansion on the left, modelled 
after the plan of Foxhurst, with the exception that it had a 
gable roof and Foxhurst a square roof. On the right once 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



m 



opened the gates of Mr. S. B. White's residence, whose artisti- 
cally laid out grounds were known as Longwood Park. 

Towards West Farms we note three old mansions on the 
right hand side of Boston Road, just beyond the Southern Boule- 
vard. The first two are known as the Walker houses, while the 
last, the present residence of Mr. Bolton, bears the name of 
"Minford Place," after former owner, Thomas Minford. 

A very old house stands near the northeasterly corner of 
Rodman Place and Longfellow Street, just south of the oM 
fire-engine house, while on Main Street, about opposite Rodman 
Place another ancient structure still stands, built directly on the 
road. In earlier years it was noticed that the panes of glass in 
the windows were of the old-fashioned, handmade style, with 




|[ Macomb Mansion 

|| a curious bulb in the middle, where the glass maker severed his 

1 "string" of glass used in its manufacture. Across the Bron.x, 

I not far from West Farms Station, is another solid stone editice. 

IJ the Wilson Mansion, almost identically resembling that which 

' stands a little north and further back from the road than the old 
house with the queer panes of glass, but its name does not ap- 

[ pear on any map I have seen. 

,: Passing to the Washington Bridge section, "Rocky Cliff," 

the home of Mrs. Marcher, is given on the maps, while east of 

! Macomb's Road, just above Featherbed Lane, is shown "Rose 
Hill," the residence of J. D. Poole. Opposite the western end 

li of Featherbed Lane, its extensive grounds descending to the 
stately Washington Bridge, is the beautiful "Villa Boscobel," the 
magnificent mansion of the late Mr. Wm. B. Ogden. Quite a 
distance to the north, and west of old Macomb's Road, with the 
new Aqueduct Avenue crossing the lawn, and south of the nar- 
row lane leading down to what was known as Morris Dock, 
stands "Mount Fordham," with its graceful arches in front, the 
former home of Lewis G. Morris. Close by is "Fairlawn," the 
title well describing the place, where Hugh N. Camp lived for 
many years. The fine stone residence overlooking the old Berk 
ley Oval, was "Elmbrook," occupied by Mrs. Dashwood, accord- 
ing to the maps. To the north, on the New York University 

: grounds, is the former residetice of H. W. T. Mali, while south 
of old Fordham Road, near the little graveyard is shown "Rose- 
land," once the home of Mr. O. Camman. 

On the north side of Fordham Road, west of the old-fashioned 
residence of the late Moses Devoe, a winding drive leads into 
the grounds of the stately Webb Academy. North of this tail 
building is a much smaller one, also on the Academy grounds, the 
old residence, if we may credit the map, of Leonard W. Jerome, 
after whom Jerome Park was named. Following Sedgwick Ave- 
nue still further up, we note the fine Claflin mansions on the 
oast side, now closed and locked up. Following a shady drive- 
way that leads north from Kingsbridge Road, we come to "Ridge- 
lawn," formerly occupied by the Rev. R. W. Dickenson. Just 
above the Poe Cottage, within a few feet of the handsome white 
house of the late Judge Tappan, the road leads to Williamsbridge, 



much carved into city streets in its upper region, but known m 
the section north of Judge i'appan's by the appropriate title of 
"Lovers' Lane," owing to the thickness of the foliage on either 
side. I may mention here to those interested, that I know of 
three of these lanes, and 1 think I have told the story of two of 
them, but the third I utterly refuse to divulge. 

A very old, shingled house stands on the corner of Kings 
bridge Road and Marion Avenue, whose once extensive estate 
has been greatly cut into by modern houses. 

On the easterly side of Washington Avenue, between Kings- 
bridge Road (Third Avenue) and Pelham Avenue, in front of 
the old Stenton Mansion, are the remains of a venerable willow 
tree, over 300 years old. North of Fordham Station, on the 
present Webster Avenue, with its side to the street, is to be seen 
an exceedingly old house, according to the maps, the old Jacob 
Berrian residence. Passing to Mount St. Vincent, we find, just 
north of Riverdale, the beautiful castle lately occupied by Edwin 
Forrest, styled "Font Hill" and now owned by the Sisters of 
Charity of St. Vincent de Paul. The old castle, built of stone, 
presents a striking example of the "English castellated" style. It 
has six towers, the highest called the "Flag Tower," the whole 
commanding magnificent views of the Hudson River. 

Four other early country seats may be mentioned : "Grey- 
stone," the fine residence of W. E. Dodge, and "Oaklawn," the 
home of W. W. Thompson. Making a long leap to East- 
chester, the handsome home of the late G. Faile is still 
on the old maps, while the Colonial-like mansion on the City 
Island Road, styled "Hawkswood,," bears the name of L. R. Mar- 
shall. These last two have already been described in their proper 
places. 

On the few preceding pages I have endeavored to pick out 
some of the old-time mansions, showing that our borough was a 
favorite location for this class of homes. That these are only a 
drop in the bucket may well be urged, but they have been selected 
as types of that period before Bronx Borough "was spoiled by the 
locomotive, the summer cottage and, worse than all, the land 
speculator." 




Washington Avenue and 173d Street. Before Widening 

Statistics are generally regarded as a bore, and very seldom 
read, but it may prove interesting to know the centres of Bronx 
population that were annexed to the City of New York in 1874, 
as furnished by the Hon. Louis F. Hafifen : 

Mott Haven, West Morrisania, Belmont, North New York, 
Highbridgeville, Adamsville, Wilton. Claremont, Prospect Hill, 
Port Morris, Inwood, Fordham. Springhurst, Morris Heights, 
Wardsville, East Morrisania. Fordham Heights, Monterey, Ben- 
sonia. Mount Eden, Union Hill, Carr Hill, Mount Hope, Cedar 
Hill, Woodstock, West Tremont, Bedford Park, Grove Hill, 
Central Morrisania, Mount Pleasant, Forest Grove, South Ford- 





I 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



J03 



ham, Williamsbridge, Eltona, Upper Morrisania, Woodlawn, East 
Morrisania, Treniont, Kingsbridge, Melrose South, Fairmount, 
Spuyten Duyvil, Melrose, East Tremont, Riverdale, North Mel- 
rose, West Farms, Mosholu, Morrisania, South Belmont and 
Mount St. Vincent. 

This territory, long known as the "Annexed District," was 
bounded by the Harlem River and- Spuyten Duyvil Creek and 
the Hudson on the west, by the Yonkers line on the north, the 
Bronx River on the east, and the Harlem Kills on the south. 
The story is told that about the year 1869, a bill was prepared 
to annex the towns of West Farms, Morrisania, Westchester and 
Mount Vernon to New York, when some one jumped to his feet 



land, Seton Homestead, Bronxdale, Jacksonville, South Mt. Ver- 
non, Bronxwood Park, Jerome, South Washingtonville, Cherry 
Tree Point, Laconia, Stinardtown, City Island, Locust Point, 
Throgg's Neck, Clason's Point, Ludlow Island, Cornell's Neck, 
Middletown, Unionport, Morrell Park, Van Nest. Edenwald, 
Morris Park, Wakefield, Ferry Point, Olinville, Washingtonville, 
Givan Homestead, Fort Schuyler, Park Versailles, Westchester, 
Pelham Neck, Goose Island, Pennyfield, Williamsbridge, Hart's 
Island, Rodman's Neck, and Wright's Island. 

One of the most important public improvements now under 
construction is the "Grand Boulevard and Concourse," a superb 
driveway to be nearly 200 feet wide. The following brief dc- 




y^fe-'e^^'-"^/ 



Map of " Bronctxncck " Showing Patents of Lewis Morris, Sr., and Jcsup and Ricliardson 



in the Senate and gave notice that he would present a bill "to 
annex the City of New York to the town of Morrisania." 

For many years the Park Department had control of the 
streets of the newly Annexed District, which was known as the 
23d and 24th Wards, the line of division running just north of 
old Eighth or 170th Street. With the creating of a new depart- 
ment, that of Street Improvements, going into efifect January I, 
1891, many marked changes for the better were seen on all sides. 

About the year 1883 a large acreage of parks was added to 
the city, which has already been described. In 1895 a large 
number of towns and villages was annexed to the city, the list 
(also furnished by President Louis F. Haffen) being as follows: 
Bartow, High Island, Schuylerville, Baychester, Hunter's Is 



scription may be given. It commences at i6ist Street and 
Walton .Avenue, near the Heine Fountain, thence running north- 
erly, embracing Mott Avenue to 165th Street. Here it curves to 
the right to 177th Street and Morris Avenue. From this point 
its course is northerly to Ryer Avenue and i82d Street, thence 
northerly and embracing Ryer Avenue to Fordham Road. From 
this point it runs northerly, embracing Anthony Avenue to what 
was known as Potter Place, and finally its course is again north- 
erly to Mosholu Parkway, which it reaches just east of Jerome 
Avenue. 

Such, in brief, is a description of the splendid driveway 
that is to extend northward through this borough of ours, and 
whose construction is well under way. There are many excava- 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



105 



tions to be made along the line, as well as high stone walls 
to be built. When completed it is stated that it will be the 
most magnificent thoroughfare in the world. Sometimes on the 
surface, sometimes elevated, this wonderful driveway will prove 
a boon to everyone in the Bronx. At its beginning (at i6ist 
Street), it is planned to build a viaduct over to the Central 
Bridge, in order to render it more accessible from the south. 

Another improvement of gigantic proportions is the widen 
ing and straightening of White Plains Road. In former days 
there was scarcely room for one trolley track, with a sufficient 
space on each side for vehicles. With this great undertaking 
completed, we have seen two tracks in the centre and plenty of 
room on each side. In other words we have witnessed "the 
transformation of the old Vs'hite Plains Road into a metropolitan 
avenue." 

Then turn for a moment to the "Southern Westchester 
Turnpike" from the Bronx River to Westchester, What a hope- 
less confusion it was at the time of my last visit ! The single 
trolley track started bravely from Westchester, passed S't 
Peter's Cemetery which had several feet taken from its frontage, 
and finally rescbed Clason's Point Road, where it gave up the 



is planned to start at i32d Street and extend to the Connecticut 
line at Portchester, passing through the easterly portion of our 
borough. The demonstrations that have been shown, the special 
trip to .•\lbany to further its interests, are all fresh in the minds 




Poe Cherry Tree 

task, leaving the hapless passengers to walk about a mile across 
ilie Bronx to Home Street, where the Westchester Avenue car■^ 
met them once more. It has taken a long time to build th.- 
two bridges near this point, one across the Bronx and the other 
over the railroad tracks, but at present writing both are com- 
pleted. 

"Nothing succeeds like success, and success in this instance 
will be a great stride forward, bringing in its wake substantial 
developments which now lie dormant." Had the writer of 
these lines that portion of the Bronx in view which is still 
untouched by the fast advancing methods of rapid transit? 
Whether the new lines be elevated or depressed, they will cer- 
tainly prove a wonderful advantage to the outlying districts of 
our borough, and may perhaps be a help to those who, as Felix 
Oldboy tells us, have lived all their lives in this city and yet 
have never seen the City Hall. 

An idea that has claimed much attention is the formation 
of Bronx Borough into a separate county, the great advantages 
to be obtained from having a full quota of county officers right 
in our midst being apparent to every one who stops to consider. 

We are looking forward to the advent of the Portchester 
Railway, "the greatest boon the Bronx has ever known," which 




Exempt Firemen on Par.nde 

of Bron.v citizens. Attention must also be called in the W'esl- 
chester and Boston Railroad, the work of which is well under 
progress. 

A section of the elevated part of the "Subway." cuiinecting 
with the old Suburban road at 1491I1 .^tret-t and Third .\venue. i-- 
.11 present writing in us^ and is much patronized by residents 
through whose district it passes. With the tunnel under the 
harlem River at I49tli Strett in active service, there is 
had through connection with the "Subway" on Manhattan, and 
cars are run directly thrcnigh to the City Hall and below. 
F'"ven now there is a call for a new "Sulnvay" mi Jerome Ave- 
nue, and when the Harlem road is electrified, and there are 
lour tracks from Woodlawn to White Plains, and when the 
firand Central Station improvements are completed, we may 
confidently expect a through service from White Plains to the 




Winter Scene in Crotona Park 

lower end of Manhattan, with possibly a change of cars al 
Forty-second Street. This would greatly relieve the crowded 
condition of the Third Avenue line and be of the greatest ad- 
vantage to those living out of reach of the new "Subway." 

One who wrote the history of Morrisania Village in 1871 
makes a truly remarkable prophecy, which he believed would 
come true fifty years from that time. Strange to relate, many of 





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3 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



J07 



his predictions are already things of the past. 
lows: 



An extract fol- 



"He who undertakes to write a history half a century hence 
will have a task to perform quite different from the present 
sketch (The History of Morrisania Village in 1871). He will 
tell his readers that the erection of the first house in Morrisania 
was not the commencement of a single village only, but the be- 
ginning of a series of densely populated sections which may be 
seen in the towns of West Farms, Westchester, Eastchester, &c. 
He will speak of the numerous facilities, cheap and quick, for 
reaching the lower end of the city; of numerous viaduct railways 
starting from a point above the Harlem River and running to 
and converging at the Battery ; of the Harlem River lined with 
docks. 



"He will speak of the lower end of Westchester County as 
the homes of the toiling thousands who earn their bread in that 
part of the citv Iving below the Harlem River; of the spacious 
grounds and stately mansions of the wealthy who have made thii 
portion of the county their dwelling places; of magnificent 
drives, boulevards and parks such as the world has never seen; 
of a population within fifteen miles north of the Harlem River 
as large as that then in the city south of it; of our town as one 
of the densely populated wards of the city; of the Harlem River 
as being what the Thames is to London, the dividing water line 
between two portions of a great city connected by numerous 
bridges, and of Morrisania as forming the center of this division. 
Call this a dream if you will, but he who shall write a faithful 
history of our town fifty years hence will record it as an ac- 
complished fact !" 



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i 







Specimen of American Bison at the Zoo in Bronx Park 



CHAPTER XXXIV 



ECCLESIASTICAL ARCHITECTURE IN THE BRONX 



The Oldest and the Newest Houses of Divine Worship Shown — Commendable Progress in Developing^ Religious 

Interests in the Borough 



In aiKJlher chapter of this volume the early days of the 
church, with its varying vicissitudes, are narrated. The destroy- 
ing hand of Time has been lenient in its dealings with the 
houses of worship, which were erected during the days when 
General Washington and Lord Howe were wrestling for the 
supremacy and this portion of the colony was the scene of strife 
between the advancing and retreating hosts of both armies. 

From trustworthy records among the olden archives, the 
sanctity of the church buildings was a matter of little conse- 
quence to the invading Hessians and old St. Paul's at East- 
chester was alternately the scene of bacchanalian revelry on the 
part of the invading army or its walls resounded with the groans 
;.nd lamentations of the wounded. 

The first edifice erected in 1675, was a frame structure 
which stood about where the present horse sheds stand. It was 
burned to the ground in 1690, and the present edifice erected in 
1603, and again burned during the Revolution. Through the 
thoughtfulness of some of the devout worshippers of the old 
church, the Bible, the prayer book, and the bell had been 
secreted in one of the buildings of the Vincent homestead, now 
the Halsey home, a short distance to the south of the church, 
and the venerable rector of the church. Rev. Wm. S. Coffey, at 
the present writing points with pardonable pride to these price- 
less treasures which still perform their allotted task after the 
trials of the early colonial days. 

Contemporaneous with St. Paul's was St. Peter's at West- 
chester, which also went through the fiery ordeal not unscathed. 
The present structure, however, does not bear much resemblance 
to the original structure that witnessed the gathering of the 
faithful in the days when means of communication were very 
circumscribed. 

St. .\nn's P. E. Church, located in the extreme lower end 
of the borough, within sight of the Gouverneur Morris Mansion, 
completed the total of houses of worship in what is now Bron.x 
Borough, excepting one small dwelling which was occupied 
by the followers of William Penn and which was situated in the 
eastern portion of the borough. 

That the ecclesiastical growth of the Bron.x has been in 
keeping with the growth in population is apparent to the most 
casual observer. Whereas at the opening of civilization in this 
section the number of edifices could be easily counted upon the 
fingers of one hand, and scattered over a territory that was 
practically isolated, to-day on every hand the spires of churches 
of every denomination rear themselves skyward, bearing out 
the assertion that this borough is fast becoming a rival of her 
sister borough — Brooklyn — as the city of churches. 

The followers of John Wesley may well feel proud of the 



progress they have made in the erection of houses of worship in 
this section. The Willis Avenue M. E. Church, situated at 
Willis Avp'me and 141st Stree', the Mo<* Avenue M. E. Church, 
Mott Avenue and isoth Street, and Olin M. E. Church, on 
White Plains Avenue, near 218th Street, are very striking exam- 
ples of church architecture and are a credit to the enterprise 
of this borough. 

The activity shown by the Methodist denomination has 
Liorne excellent results as may be seen by the numerous edifices 
that are an ornament to the borough. 

The Roman Catholics in the Bronx have shown much 
energy, and the panorama of the borough is dotted in all direc- 
tions with the spires of the churches that point skyward. 

Among the earlier churches of this denomination St. Augus- 
tine's, at 167th Street and Franklin Avenue, the Church of the 
Immaculate Conception, at 150th Street, west of Melrose Ave- 
nue, St. Raymond's at Westchester, and St. Mary's at White 
Plains Avenue near 215th Street, may be justly considered the 
pioneers. They have largely been added to in numbers in keep- 
ing with the development of the borough, and among the most 
prominent for their architectural appearance might be noted the 
following : 

St. Jerome's, at 138th Street and Alexander Avenue, which 
presents an imposing appearance. Connected with it is a paro- 
cliial school in which an excellent curriculum prevails. 

The Church of the Immaculate Conception, isoth Street 
and Melrose Avenue, is a monument to the zeal of its members. 
Beside the church proper it has a parochial school and a com- 
modious hall for the use of the men's club, wherein lectures, en- 
tertainments and other functions are held. 

St. Joseph's Church on Bathgate Avenue, near 177th 
Street, is another edifice that holds the attention of the passerby 
owing to its spire which is visible from many parts of the bor- 
ough. 

The new edifice of the Presbyterians of West Farms is the 
result of the munificence of the late Charles Bathgate Beck, who 
bequeathed $100,000 for its construction as a memorial to his 
mother. Jeannette Beck. It is situated at i86th Street and Vyse 
Avenue, and the style of architecture is pure French Gothic, 
and the material is Indiana limestone. 

The First Presbyterian Church and its manse, located on 
East 225th Street just east of White Plains Avenue, is another 
example of the progressiveness of Williamsbridge, and is a credit 
to that section. 

The Church of the Reformation (Evangelical Lutheran) at 
Wilkins Place and Jennings Street, is one more of the recent 
striking additions to the ecclesiastical structures of the Bronx. 





Temple Hand in-Hand, I45th Street. East 
of Willis A'vcnuc 



First German M, E. Church. Elton Avenue and 1 58th Street 




Trcmont Avenue Presbyterian Church, Washington Ave 
near (74th Street 




St. Raymond's R. C. Church, Westchester 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



m 



The Emmanuel English Lutheran Churcli, at 137th Street 
aiid Brown Place, is another attractive edifice built of Tuckahoe 
marble. 

Olin M. E. Church on White Plains Avenue, opposite 218th 
Street, is the finest appearing structure in the upper part of the 
borough. Built upon a rising knoll the massiveness of the 
structure, and the varj'ing colors of the Indiana limestone of 
which is constructed, at once attract the attention of the passer- 
by. 

Bethany Presbyterian Church on East 137th Street, near 
Willis Avenue, is a fine example of the liberality of the 
members of that denommatioii which has resulted in the erection 
of an edifice that is a credit to the neighborhood. 



146th Street is another attractive feature in ch irch architecf.re 
in the lower part of the borough. 

St. George's Episcopal Church at 219th Street, west of 
White Plains Avenue, is the most recent acquisition to church 
architecture in that section. It is located in what was formerly 
a part of the extensive parish of St. Paul's at Eastchester. 

The following is a list of the churches in the Bronx, the 
arrangement being in alphabetical order in the respective denom- 



BAPTIST. 

Alexander Avenue, corner East 141st Street. 
Ascension, i6cth Street, near Park Avenue. 




St. John's German Evangelical Letheran Church, Fulton Avenue 



The North New York Congregational Church, in 143d Street, 
near Willis Avenue, is the most recent specimen of church archi- 
tecture which redounds to the credit of the lower Bronx. 

The Alexander Avenue Baptist Church is another recent ad- 
dition to the handsome edifices which indicates the progressiveness 
of the borough. 

St. Stephens Protestant Episcopal Church at 238th Street and 
■Verio Avenue, a handsome edifice, which was started as a mis- 
sion, has proven a valuable acquisition in that section of the city. 

The Mott Haven Reformed Church at Third Avenue and 



Beth Eden, Webster Avenue and 189th Street. 

Eagle Avenue, Eagle Avenue, near 163d Street. 

Emmanuel, 215th Street and White Plains .\venue. 

Eton Hall, 1058 Dawson Street. 

Mt. Pleasant, 765 Courtlandt Avenue. 

Pilgrim, Boston Road and \'yse Avenue. 

Third German, 1127 Fulton Avenue. 

Tremont, 176th Street and Tremont Avenue. 

Trinity, Park Avenue and 2isth Street, Williamsbridge. 



•:5^:7^y,'''^T^;'r; 





Claremont Park Congregational Church 



St. Margaret's P. E. Church 




Olin M. E. Church. Williamsbridge 





St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, Bathgate Ave., 
near I77th Street 



North New York Congregational Church 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



113 



CONGREGATIONAL. 
Bedford Park, 20m Street and Bainbridge Avenue. 
Christ, Topping Avenue and i7Sth Street. 
Claremont Park, Webster Avenue and 167th Sireet. 
Forest Avenue, Forest Avenue and i66th Street. 
Longwood Avenue. Beck Street. 
North New York, 143d Street, near Willis Avenue. 
Trinity, Washington Avenue and 176th Street. 

DISCIPLES OF CHRIST. 
Second Church of Disciples of Christ, 169th Street, near 
Franklin Avenue and Southern Boulevard and 167th Street. 

EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN. 
Bethany, 10 Teasdale Place. 
Enunanuel, Brown Place and 1,37th Street. 
Golgothe, 887 Tinton Avenue. 

Gustavus Adolplnis, Brown Place and 137th Street. 
Reformation, Wilkins Place and Jennings Street. 
-St. John's, 13-13 Fulton Avenue. 
St. Luke's, Van Nest. 
St. Matthews, 626 East T56tli Street. 
St. Paul's, i8ist Street and Third Avenue. 
St. Paulus, 156th Street, near Westchester Avenue. 
St. Peter's, Williamsbridge. 
St. Peter's, 626 East i6ist Street. 
St. Stephen's, LTnion Avenue, near 165th Street. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL. 

Bronxdale, Boston Road. 
j Centenary, Washington Avenue and i66th Street, 

Elton Avenue, Elton Avenue and 158th Street. 

F'ordham, 2503 Marion Avenue. 
I Grace, White Plains Avenue, between 241s and J42'l 
• Streets. 

Morris Heights, Sedgwick Avenue. 

Mott Avenue, Mott Avenue and 150th Street. 

Mt. Hope, 1881 Morris Avenue. 

01 in, White Plains Avenue and 216th Street. 

Prospect Avenue, Prospect .'\venue and Macy Place. 

St. John's, Fulton Street, between 239th and 240th Streets. 

St. Stephen's, Kingsbridge. 

Tremont, Washington Avenue and 178th Street. 

Treniont German, Bathgate Avenue, near 175th Street. 

Trinity, Main Street, City Island. 

Westchester, West Farms Road, Westchester. 

Willis Avenue, Willis Avenue, corner 141st Street. 

Woodlawn, 237th Street, near Kepler Avenue. 

PRESBYTERIAN. 

Bedford Park, Bainbridge Avenue and 200th Street. 

Bethany, 137th Street, near Willis Avenue. 

Intervale, Intervale Avenue and Home Street. 

First Morrisania, 17 Ritttr Place. 

First Williamsbridge, 225th Street, east of White Pl.iins 
.\venue. 

Riverdale, Riverdale. 

Throgg's Neck, Ft. Schuyler Road, Westchester. 

Tremont, Washington Avenue. 

Woodstock, East 165th Street and Boston Road. 

West Farms, 1246 East i8oth Street. 

University Heights, New York Ll^niversity, L'niversity 
Heights. 



United, East 187th Street and Lorillard Place. 

Van Nest Park, Morris Park Avenue and Lincoln Street. 

PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL. 

Advocate, tSist Street and Bathgate Avenue. 

Atonement, Webster Avenue and 175th Street. 

Christ, Riverdale. 

Emmanuel, 681 East 155th Street. 

Grace, Main Street, City Island. 

Grace, Vyse and Tremont Avenues. 

Holy F'aith, 870 East i66th Street. 

Holy Nativity, Vyse Avenue, near Freeman Street. 

Mediator, Kingsbridge Avenue^ Kingsbridge. 

St. .A.lban's, Summit Avenue, near 165th Street, Highliridge. 

St. Ann's, St. Ann's Avenue and East 140th Street. 

St. David's, 642 East 160th Street. 

St. Edmund's, Morris Avenue and 177th Street. 

St. George's, 2igth Street and Park Avenue, Williamsbridge. 

St. James', Jerome A\'enue and St. James Place. 

St. Margaret's, Dawson and 156th Streets. 

St. Martha's, Van Nest. 

St. Maiy's, Alexander Avenue, near I42d Street. 

St. Paul's, Washington Avenue and 170th Street. 

St. Peter's, Westchester Avenue, Westchester. 

St. Simeon's, 163d Street, near Morris Avenue. 

St. Stephen's, Verio Avenue and 238th Street, Woodlawn. 

Trinity. East 164th Street, near Boston Road. 

REFORMED EPISCOPAL. 
St. Paul's, 236th Street ,near Verio Avenue, Woodlawn. 

REFORMED. 

Anderson Memorial. Cambreling Avenue and 183d Street. 

Comforter, 509 East i62d Street. 

Fordham, Kingsbridge Road and Jerome Avenue. 

Melrose (German), Elton Avenue and is6th Street. 

Mott Haven, Third Avenue and I46lh Street. 

St. Paul's (Evangelical), 874 East 141st Street. 

Union, Ogden Avenue and 169th Street. 

West Farms, Boston Road and East 179th Street. 

Belmont Cong., Crotona Avenue and East iSolh Street. 

ROMAN CATHOLIC. 

Chapel of the Sacred Heart, Hart's Island. 

Holy Family, Ninth Street, corner of Avenue C, LTnionport 

Holy Spirit, Burnside Avenue, corner of .A.queduct Avenue. 

Immaculate Conception, 635 East 150th Street, near Mel- 
rose Avenue. 

Immaculate Conception, Maple and Olin Avenues, Williams- 
bridge. , 

Our Lady of Solace, Van Nest. 

Our Lady of Mercy, Webster Avenue and East 190th Street. 

'^-cr'-d Heart, Shakespeare Avenue, near East i6gth Street. 

■^t. .\ngela, Morris Avenue and 163d Street. 

.St. Anselm's, Beach Avenue, near East I52d Street. 

St. Anthony, loio East i66th Street. 

St. Augustine's, East 167th Street, corner Fulton Avenue, 

St. Francis of Rome, Fulton Street, between 236th and 
237' h Streets, Wakefield. 

St. Jerome's, Alexander -Avenue, corner of i.^Sth Street. 

St. John Chrysostom's, 167th Street, near Hoe Avenue. 

St. John's, 291 1 Kingsbridge Avenue. 

3t, Joseph'.s, 7943 Bathgate .Avenue. 



)J4 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



C ATH OLIC— Continued. 

St. Lawrence, Park Avenue, corner of East 184th Street- 

St. Luke's, East 138th Street and Cypress Avenue. 

St. Martin of Tours, East i82d Street, corner of Grote 
Street. 

St. Margaret's, Riverdale. 

St. Mary's, White Plains Road and 2i5lh Street, Williams- 
bridge. 

St. Mary's Star of the Sea, Main Street, City Island. 

St. Philip Neri, Anthony Avenue, opposite 202d Street. 



St. Raymond's. West Farms Road, Westchester. 
St. Thomas Aquinas. 1277 Tremont Avenue. 
St. Valentine's, 221st Street, between Fourth and Fifth .\ve- 
nues, Williamsbridge. 

HEBREW. 

Temple Hand-in-Hand, East 145th Street, between Brook 
and Willis Avenues. 

Adath Israel, East 169th Street, between Third and Franklin 
Avenues. 




Perspective View of the Reformed St. Pai4's Cfiurcti, 14 1st Street. St. Ann's and Trinity Avenues 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



Some of the Pastors of Bronx Churches 



116 



REV. WILLIAM HOWARD KEPHART, pastor of the 
North New York Congregational Church, 143d Street, near Wil- 
hs Avenue, will complete the ninth year of his ministry there, 
this fall of 1905. He came here from Plymouth Church, Bing- 
hamton, N. Y. He was born October i, 1864, at Middletown, 
Md. In 1873, ;.t 8 years of age, he moved to Altoona, Pa., and 
attended the public schools there in his boyhood. Later he took 
a four years' course and graduated from Wittenberg College, 
i Springfield, Ohio, and after a three years' course, graduated also 
from the Union Theological Seminary, New York, in 1889. Mr. 
Kephart is a member of the Congregational Club of New York 
and of the Manhattan Associat'ion of Congregational Ministers. 
He was chosen Moderator last spring of the State Associa- 
tion of Congregational Churches, a fact indicative of his popu- 
larity and abilities. He is a member of the F. and A. M. and has 
been honored with the thirty-third degree and also Grand Chap- 
lain of the State of New York. He married, June 16, 1893, Miss 
Mary Wood. His only child, Cliarlcs, a boy of II years, died in 
1903. 

ALVAH EDWARD KNAPP was born at Pierrepont, St. 
Lawrence County, N. Y., on August 17, 1863. After having 
studied in the local schools, he took a preparatory course in 
Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo, Mich. ; a college course in 
Colgate University, Hamilton, N. Y., receiving the degree of 
B. A., and a theological course in Tlieological Seminary of 
Colgate University, receiving the degree of B. D. He is well 
known in the Baptist denomination, and has resided in the 
Bronx about six and a half years. While his politics are gen- 
erally Republican, he is not a partisan, and has never held a 
political otifice, being identified too closely with his calling. In 
the various gatherings of the Baptist denomination he has been 
honored by being selected as Moderator of the San Diego (Cal.) 
Baptist Association; Vice-President and Director of Southern 
California Baptist Convention ; President Southern New York 
Baptist Association ; is Treasurer of the Permanent Council of 
Baptist Churches of New York City and vicinity; a member of 
the Executive Board of the American Baptist Home Missionary 
Society; also a member of the Baptist Social Union; The Fort 
nightly (a Bronx literary society), and the Bronx Society of 
Arts and Sciences. He married Lillie Gertrude Doak, of Marble- 
head; Mass., on June 17, 1890, the result of the happy union 
being one child, Alva Gertrude Knapp, now living. Rev. Mr. 
Knapp has met with great success in the field of his labor at 
the Tremont Baptist Church, whose activity has resulted in great 
good to the community. Mr. Knapp, while in California, was 
captain and chaplain in the Ninth Regiment of Infantry, First 
Brigade, National Guard of California. 

REV. GEO. NIXON. — Not only among members of his 
denomination and faith is he known, but throughout all the dis- 
trict in which he has ministered so long and faithfully as pastor, 
as a man among men, a true citizen, gentleman and Christian, 
such is our subject. He is a New Yorker, born Nov. 7, 1834, 
at 54 Dey Street (now the heart of the business quarter of Man- 
hattan), 71 years ago. At 19 he graduated from the Free 
.\cademy of the City of New York and the following year 
matriculated at Princeton Theological Seminary, whence he 



graduated ; three years later April, 1858, was licensed to preach 
Presbyterian faith and doctrine. Thence his pastorate has .een 
continuous to date. He received a call to the West Farms 
Presbyterian Church in October, 1858, and was ordained Nov. ic, 
1859, by the Second Presbytery of New York, Under his 
ministration its membership increased. He married Oct. 9, 1867, 
Miss Mary Isabella Deacon, daughter of Robert Deacon, Post- 
master of Kingston, Canada. They have had eight children, of 
whom three are living — Charles A., Florence D. and Blanch 
Ogden ; the deceased are — Robert Ogden, Isabella E., Marie 
Haines, George and Reginald Heber. He has four grandchildren, 
the issue respectively of his son, Chas. Alexander (a daughter 
Ruth Evelyn), of his daughter, Isabella, deceased, (Sidney 
George and Beatrice), and his daughter Blanche E. (Marie 
Isabel). "A patriach in Israel" so to speak, "with from 25 to 
130." In 1861, during the Civil War, he was commissioned 
chaplain in the army, but was disqualified for physical disa- 
bility. He has been pastor of the Tremont Presbyterian Church 
to date. He was elected moderator of the Second Presbytery of 
New York in 1863, of the Presbytery of Westchester in 1874, and 
is now moderator of the Presbytery of New York. He was 
commissioner to the General Assembly at Cleveland in 1875, and 
again in 1898. In July, 1900, he celebrated his 25th anniversary 
as pastor in Tremont. In 1861 he entered the Masonic Order. 
He affiliated with Guiding Star Lodge, F. and A. M., in 1878, and 
was chaplain in Royal Arch Phoeni.x Chapter No. 2 for seventeen 
years. Miss Isabel! Evelyn married Mr. Thomas C. Bent, March 
4, 1896, Miss Blanche Ogden married Mr. Henry C. Farrand 
June 30, 1904, and Charles married Miss Carrie Probanzana of 
New York City on July 31, 1901. 

PASTOR HUGO RICHTER was born in Germany in the 
year 1850. After serving in the Franco-Prussian war, he came to 
the United States. Having finished his theological studies, he 
was for a number of years assistant to the Rev. Pastor J. F. C. 
Hennicke in New York City. From here he went to Martins- 
ville, near Buffalo, N. Y., and then came back to Brooklyn, 
where, in January, 1882, he planned his first congregation in the 
Bronx, the St. Paul's German Evangelical Lutheran Church 
of East Morrisania. The frame church which was built the 
same year and is now in the possession of Roman Catholics, is 
situated in East 150th Street between Tinton and Robbins Ave- 
nues. Under one of the successors of Pastor Richter, the St. 
Paul's congregation has built a new stone church in East is6th 
Street between Westchester and Union Avenues. For nine 
years Pastor Richter extended his services in the interests of 
the congregation by assembling German Lutherans for church 
and Sunday school services. He also conducted a German- 
English parochial school for six and a half years. In the year 
1890 he started a Sunday school in a hall in East I42d Street 
near Alexander Avenue. In a few months the Second German 
Evangelical Lutheran St. Peter's Congregation was founded. 
He now held services in botli churches until April, 1891, when 
he resigned his first office to a Brother Lutheran. This allowed 
him to devote all his time and energy to his new congregation, 
so that in 1893 they had gathered a sufficient sum to buy a 
house and lot, a chapel being built in the rear of the house. 





REV. WILLIAM HOWARD KEPHART 



REV. ALVAH EDWARD KNAPP 




REV. GEORGE NIXON 





PEV. HUGO RICHTER 



REV, A, ARTHUR KINO 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



117 



There the church services are still held. In 1902 the congregation 
bought a plot in 140th Street between Willis and Brook Ave- 
nues for the sum of $16,320, upon which the now church edifice 
and parsonage are erected. 

REV. EDWARD GEORGE CLIFTON, D.D., is the founder 
and rector of St. David's Protestant Episcopal Church, at 642 
10 646 East i6oth Street, which was dedicated February 26, 1903, 
with a service in which the most prominent clergy of the 
Episcopal Church in this city assisted. Dr. Clifton has earned 
reputation as a most energetic and worthy pastor. He was born ' 
at St. Kitts, British West Indies, February 4, 1865, and was edu- 




REV. EDWARD GEORGE CLIFTO, N DD. 

cated for his profession in the West Indies, Newfoundland and 
New York City. He was ordained to the priesthood twenty- 
fix-e years ago. On August 13, 1885, he married Miss Ida Rogers, 
who has proven a most worthy helpmeet to him. He is, of course, 
the moving spirit in many organizations of his congregation. He 
lias espoused Republican party principles, but is nowise active in 
politics. His little church has been the recipient of many beauti- 
ful memorial gifts and is thriving handsomely. 

A. ARTHUR KING, D.D., pastor of Emmanuel English 
Lutheran Church, located on the corner of Brown Place and East 
137th Street, Bronx, was born February 16, 1868, at Easton, r'a. 
Dr. King was educated in the public schools of Easton, Pa. ; 
Newburg (N. Y.) Academy; the Moravian College, at Nazareth, 
i Pa., after which he entered the Lutheran institution at Gettys- 

Iburg, Pa., graduating from the Theological Seminary in the year 
1894. Immediately after his graduation he received a call to the 
'"irst Lutheran Church of Glen Gardner, N. J., where he served 
as pastor until he came to New York to organize the church 
of which he is now pastor. Through his untiring efforts the 
congregation increased in membership and in October, 1902, he 
I succeeded in laying the corner-stone of the beautiful marble 
structure in which the congregation is now worshipping. He is 
a Republican in national affairs, but a staunch Democrat on 
local matters. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. Dr. King 
married Miss Alice A. Reimer October 9, 1894, immediately 



after her graduation from Irving Female College, Mechanicsburg, 
Pa. The union has been blessed with one child, Arthur Reimer 
King. 

REV. GUSTAV 11. TAPPERT, pastor of St. Paul's Evan- 
gelical Lutheran Church at 156th Street, near Westchester Ave- 
nue, is a native of Ilameln, Germany. He was educated for his 
calling in the old country. Ten years ago he came here to the 
Bronx. He began his ministrations at 150th Street and Rob- 
bins Avenue, and continued there three years. Then the pres- 
ent edifice was built. Meanwhile, his congregation has increased 
fully seventy-five per cent, and now has something like 250 mem- 
bers. Dr. Tappert credits his success largely to the work of the 
board of trustees of the church and to the co-operation of the 
Ladies' Aid Society and the Young Men's and Young Ladies' 
organizations of the church. The Sunday school of this church 
is in a specifically flourishing condition. 

REV. GEORGE JOSEPH MELANCTHON KETNER is 
the able and eloquent pastor of the Church of the Reformation, 
situated at Jennings Street and Wilkins Place, a church with a 
congregation of too, and steadily increasing, which is now about 
three j'ears old. Mr. Ketner was born October 17, 1868, in 
Etna, Pennsylvania. After the usual course in the public 
schools of his native place, he took a course in the Pennsylvania 
College and graduated from that institution in 1892. Choosing 
the ministry then for his vocation in life, he entered the Theo 
logical Seminary at historic Gettysburg and received his de- 
gree there in 1895, thence accepting a call to his first pastorate 
at New Chester, Pa. Lie remained there three years and was then 
called to Davis, W. Va., where he spent three years also, and 
was then invited here. He married in December, 1895, Miss Su- 
sie B. Warren, of the Keystone State. They have two children, 
Ruth and Warren. Mr. Ketner's affiliations are almost wholly 
of and with the church. He is, however, a member of two clubs, 

REV. FRED'K WM. BOESE, pastor of the Elton Avenue 
German Methodist Episcopal Church, is one of the borough's 
venerable shepherds, "a patriarch in Israel," presiding over one 
of the oldest and largest Protestant congregations of the Bronx, 
a church founded, in fact, in 1853. Mr. Boese has been its min- 
ister for the past six years. For 30 years before that he had 
various charges of the Eastern German Conference, none, how- 
ever, pleasanter or happier than this. Rev. Boese was born in 
Germany September 24, 1839. When he came to America in 1864, 
he was converted in the old Second Street Church, New York 
City. He was educated in part in the old country and in part 
at the German Theological Seminary of Berea, Ohio. He left 
that institution in 1865 to take his first congregational charge. 
That was the Callicoon Circuit in New York State, his second 
charge was the New Y^ork City Port Mission. Others were 
held in Hartford, Conn., Boston, Mass., Jersey City, N. J., Troy, 
N. Y., Baltimore, Md., and other places. He married in 1869, 
Mrs. Rebecca Gerken, who died in 1884. Remarried in 1885 
Wilhelmina Rey. The surviving children of the first wife are 
John Henry F., and William H. J. H. F. Boese is minister of the 
German M. E. Church of Long Island City and Dr. William 
Boese is a physician of Lebanon Hospital in the Bronx. One 
child of second wife died in infancy. 

REV. DR. FRANK MONTROSE CLENDENNIN, rector 
of St. Peter's P. E. Church, Westchester, was born in Washing- 
ton, D. C, September 17, 1S53, and was educated at Columbian 
LTniversity, Princeton. He has occupied his present pastoral 
position since 1887, and as pastor of his flock is devoted to his 





REV. C. H. MILLER 



REV. F. M. CLENDENIN 




REV. FREDERiK W. EOESE 





REV. GEORGE JOSEPH MELANCTHON KETNER 



REV. GUSTAV A. TAPPER! 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



IJ9 



duties. Hi- is a intnnber of the City and New York Clubs. He 
n.'arried, April 23, i8gi, at the age of 38, Miss Gabrielle, daugh- 
ter of the distinguished founder of the New York "Tribune." 
i lorace Greeley. 

REV. GEORGE HENRY iMlLLER.— A well known and 
highly respected Bronxite is the Rev. George H. Miller, pastor 
of the German Dutch Reformed Church of Melrose, corner of 
ICast 156th Street and Elton Aven'ue, and this not for his high 
calling alone, but his personal character. He was born in 
Drooklyn, January g, 1864, and was educated in part in the 
public schools of that borough, and in part by private tutors, 
under whom he studied literature, the classics and modern 
languages, until at 16 years of age he entered Bloomfield Semi- 
narv. New Jersey, from wdiich institution he graduated in 1S87. 



at the age of 23. He then took up the ministry as a vocation, 
for which he had been fitting himself, and had pastoral charge 
of the Fifth German Presjyterian Church, Moore Street, Brook- 
lyn, from 1887 to 1S91. in the latter year he accepted a call 
from his present charge, which, organized in 1852, is one of 
lilt oldest congregations in the borough, and here he has re- 
mained during the fourteen years since, a term which in itself 
speaks for his acceptability and popularity. In 1887 he married 
Miss Catherine Hucke. He is the father of three children liv- 
ing, Paul, Elsa and George, and of two dead, Hans Herbert and 
Kurt. Politically he has espoused Democratic principles, but 
he has not interested himself actively in politics, leaving that 
task rather to the laity, though he has not neglected the duties 
imposed on good citizenship. 




Bcnsonia Cemetery, f 'rmerly loratcd .it the Kmction ol ^t. Ann'; and hSrook Avon 



HTT! 




L..- 



,..,:•« -fr •a-ss^V 






Bird's-Eyc View of the New York Catholic Protectory 




Induitriai Building, Male Department 



CHAPTER XXXV 



CATHOLIC EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 



New York Catholic Protectory— Its Aims, Influence and Work — Uisuline Academy— St. John's University at 

Fordham — 3acred Heart Academy — Manhattan College 



Perhaps no instituUun has hatl a grcaKr miluciice in mold- 
ing tlie career ol many a man or woman man the New York 
Cathohc Protectory at Westchester. Conceived by Archbishop 
John Hughes, tliiougli llie laljors of the Brothers of the Chris- 
tian Schools, with the aid of many prominent men who songht 
lo save wayward niveniles from the snares of the great city, ihe 
Hinvenient took a decided shape on February ii, 1M03, when the 
I'reliminary steps were taken to organize for the puipose of sav- 
nig the waifs who nightly might be seen hanging over the grat- 
ings of the downtown newspaper pressrooms, thinly clad and 
emaciated, seeking lo nurse the vital spark of life liy ihc genial 
heat arising from the engine room beneath the pavements. 1 hese 
"gamins" of the streets, as the Parisian terms them, are de- 
nominated by some as outcasts, while the more charitable term 
them destitute children. 

On April 14, 1803, the Legislature of the State of New York 
granted a charter to "The Society for the Proteciiou of Desti- 
uue Komaii Catholic Children 111 the City ot New iork, em- 
poweimg me corporation to take and receive into us care cmldren 
under tne age 01 fourteen years who, by conseiu m wniiiig of 
tiieir pare;its or guardians, may be intrusted to u lor protection 
ur reformation; children between seven and fourteen years ot 
age who may be committed to the care of the corporation as 
Idle, truant, vicious or homeless children, by oruer of any 
magistrate in the city empowered to commit for any such cause; 
ciiuuren 01 the liKe ages who may be transferred to such cor- 
poration at the option of the commissioners of public charities 
and correction; the corporation to place the children m its care 
at suitable employment and cause them to be instructed m suit- 
able branches of useful knowledge, with discretion also to "bind" 
them out. 

Like all truly great religious and benevolent enterprises, 
the beginning of the present Protectory was on a somevvnat limited 
scale in its inception, but the urgent need for this work soon 
caused enlargement of the buildings wherein the aims of the 
corporation were carried on. 

As the early years of this benevolence rolled around the 
necessity of removing the institution from the city became ap- 
parent, owing to the Inrk of room, and accordingly on June 
9, 1865, 114 acres of farm land at Westchester, with barns and 
outhouses were purchased for $40,000,, and soon was begun the 
erection of a spacious brick building to accommodate from 600 
to 800 destitute boys, and the following year a building of equal 
proportion was begun for the housing of the girls which the 
Brothers had taken under their charge. 

"Idleness is the mother of all mischief," has been truly ob- 
served by students of human nature, and here in this thriving 
hive of industry the various trades are taught which in after 



years enable the iiimales to battle in the strt.ggle of life fully 
equipped to enter Uie various channels that are open io the 
thrifty. 

Among the various pursuits which arc taught by competent 
inslructors are printing, stereotyping, tailoring, slioemaking, bak- 
ing, carpentering, blacksmithing, chair caning, wheelwrighting, 
machinist, farming and gardening. About 800 pairs of shoes 
a day is the output of the shoe factory, while the other branches 
of industry make a commendable showing. 

The boys of the institution have a fire department which has 
proved oi invaluai)le assistance at various times, notably on 
July 25. iS;5, \>lien the liuilding occupied by the girls was de- 
stroyed by hre. the llanies were confined to that one of the 
many buildings winch form a part of this miniature city. 

The needs of such a large population as are housed in the 
buildings of the Protectory required the establishment of an in- 
firmary for those who needed medical attention, and the segre- 
gation of sick ones from the others, and in 1878 a well appointed 
hospital was in existence. 

Ample recreation grounds have been provided for both the 
larger and smaller inmates, for those in charge fully recognize 
the truth of the old saw "All work and no play makes Jack a 
dull boy" — and it might be added, girl. 

Who has not heard of the Protectory Band? This aggrega- 
tion of musicians has won an enviable reputation in the musical 
world through the artistic manner in which it renders the works 
of the great composers. On many great public occasions these 
juveniles have vied with the famous bands in holding the at- 
tention of their vast audiences with great credit to themselves 
.•ind their band master. 

As this sketch has already outgrown the proportions in- 
tended, we will condense into a few paragraphs some of the 
principal happenings from 1885 to the present year of grace 

1905. 

Owing to the ever-increasing number of children committed 
lo the care of the institution, it was found necessary to open 
new class rooms, dormitories and recreation centres. These 
were supplied according as they were needed, so that to-day 
classification is about as perfect as it can very well be. 

In 1897 a large chapel and assembly hall were erected 
for the male department, each of which can accommodate 2,500 
boys. The hall is used for all public exercises and exhibitions, 
and as a place where the inmates can receive their parents and 
friends on visiting days. The chapel is of the Gothic style of ar- 
chitecture, and is a lasting monument to friends and benefactors. 
The beautiful marble altars and handsome organ are the gifts 
of the late Mr. Bryan Lawrence. 

A large industrial building was also erected in which are 




,N.Y.G.P. PHOTO GLA55. 



SCHOOL BUILDING 
[.Drill 2. Phv;-ci.n's Office. 3. FandRoom. 4. Orchicstia.l '5, Rciding Room 





rat I 



'#»- 



CdAPCL A/\D .45SEA\BL^' flALL 







HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



123 



housed the different trades carried on in tlie institution. These 
new buildings relieved the congestion found in some departments. 

Since the days the doors of the Protectory opened to the 
friendless and wayward children of New York City and the 
counties adjacent, it has sheltered, cared for and educated more 
than .jo.ooo boys and girls. It may be added here that this has 
not been done solely at public e.xpense. Many imagine that the 
Protectory buildings have been erected and the institution sup- 
ported from State and city fimds. To those we would say that 
up to date the Protectory has received, outside of State and city 
moneys, from private charitable sources the princely sum of two 
millions of dollars. 

The very few deaths and the slight amount of sickness oc- 
curring in the institution, year after year since the opening, are 
due to the sanitary excellence of the grounds and buildings, to 
the food and the healthful recreation; to the large and well- 
ventilated dormitories; and to the watchful and intelligent care 
of the Brothers. Sisters and corps of able physicians. 

For many years some of the boys discharged from the Pro- 
tectory, having no proper homes to go to, drifted into the cheap 



When a boy's character is firmly established and he is earning a 
sufficient sum to enable him to board in respectable families, he 
leaves St. Philip's and goes to his newly-found home. It is 
then only that he faces the stern realities of life. 

From the beginning the Christian Brothers have directed the 
destinies of the Protectory, and to this body of self-sacrificing 
men aided by the board of managers, composed of prominent 
Catholic gentlemen, the wonderful success of the work is solely 
due. 

Rev. Brother Teliow was the first director, and to him fell 
the always arduous labor of organizing the various elements of 
which the institution was composed. This work could not have 
fallen in better hands. Brother Teliow took hold with firmness, 
skill, zeal and a determination which no obstacles could with- 
stand, and which resulted in placing the Protectory, almost from 
its inception, abreast of all similar institutions. 

His immediate successors. Rev. Brothers Stephen, Hugh. 
.\drian, and Candidus, all men of experience and ability, car- 
ried on the work as planned by him, and devoted themselves 
loyally to the care, maintenance and education of their charges. 




M.iin Entrance Irom Wi-stctlGster Avenue 



lodging ami boarding houses of the city, where they adopted 
habits of idleness, formed dangerous associations, and eventually 
a few found their way into penji institutions. it was dis- 
couraging to see the young boy, after years of careful training 
and tuition, take the downward path so early in life. The small- 
ness of the wage he had received had as much to do with this as 
any other cause. 

To .stem this tide of evil. St. Philip's Home for Industrious 
Boys was established in 1901 at 415 and 417 Broome Street. Man- 
hattan. The home is a branch of the Protectory, and is conducted 
by the Christian Brothers. The arrangement and government 
are as near as possible those that prevail in a well-regulated 
family. The boys are placed on their honor and dealt with in a 
gentlemanly way. Positions are obtained for them, and from 
their earnings a small sum is required for thtir maintenance. 
The boys aie encouraged to economize; taught how to purchase 
the articles they require; and to distinguish necessities from 
luxuries. This makes the boy self-reliant, habituates him to self- 
support, and induces him to achieve success on his own merits. 



In 1885 the reins of goveninient fell to the hands of Rev 
Brother Leontinc, who brought to his new post of duty a zeal 
and enthusiasm unsurpassed, and under w-hom the Protectory 
became the leading institution of ils kind in the world. Bro. 
Leontine remained in power until his death. April 2, 1904, and 
was succeeded by the present director, Kev. Brother iienry. ,\t 
the time of his appointment Bro. Henry was no stranger to the 
spirit, genius and workings of the instituiion, nor to tlie means 
and methods employed to raise it to its present exalted standard ot 
efficiency and usefulness. During the three years prior to Bro. 
Leontine's death, he was the able assistant and close friend of 
the late Superior whose magnificent plan of government he en- 
ergetically carried out. Like his lamented predecessor, he has 
the force and strength of character needed to govern the great 
and peculiar army of boys committed to his care, combined with 
that kindness and sweetness of disposition to secure and hold 
their esteem and affection. Under his wise and prudent guidance, 
the Protectory is sure to continue its beneficent work of the 
education and training of neglected youth. His kindness and 




The Catholic Protectory Band 




Sacred Heart Academy 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



J25 



charity are not confined to boys of the Catholic faith. These 
virtues are equally displayed towards those of the Protestant 
and Hebrew beliefs. Letters testifying to this come to him 
daily from non-Catholic parents. 

Here is one from a Hebrew gentleman in Savannah, Ga., 
imder date of August g, 1905: "My brother, who has just re- 
turned from New York, tells me of the good reports you gave 
him of my son, and also the marked improvement he saw in 
him. I thank God for this, and you also, my good and noble 
Brother; for it is through your good counsel to my son that our 
heavenly Father is causing this great good to be accomplished. 
God grant that ere he leaves you, you will so inculcate your own 
goodness into him that he will never more go astray." 

This rapid sketch of the origin, progress and development of 
the New York Catholic Protectory indicates but some of the 
main features of the workings of the institution, which seeks 
the welfare and comfort of those whose lot, if neglected, might 
lie destitution, misery and crime, and whose protection and ele- 
vation is the saving of that most impressionable, interesting and 
beautiful object of enlightened and civilized life — the child. 

SACRED HEART ACADEMY.— The Religieuse of the 
Sacred Heart who have recently purchased the property in the 
Bronx known as the Ogden estate or Bo.scobel Villa, belong to 
an order which first came to New York from Louisiana in 1841, 
at the invitation of Archbishop Hughes, whose zeal for education 
led him to visit the Venerable Mother Baret in Paris and beg for 
a colony of her daughters to undertake the training of young 
ladies in his episcopal city. For this purpose he offered a house 
formerly occupied by the school of Mme. Chegary in Houston 
Street, to which a band of religieuse soon came under the guidance 
of Mother Aloysia Hardey and Mother Galitzin, niece of the 
famous Russian Prince and Missionary, Father Demetrius 
Galitzin, who labored successfully in Pennsylvania, where his 
name is still held in veneration. The school was transferred in 
1844 to 114 Bleecker Street, whence, owing to the growth of the 
city, it removed later to West Fourteenth Street and in Septem- 
ber, 1854, to 49 West Seventeenth Street, where for over fifty 
years it has been recognized as a centre of education and good 
works. But as business has more and more taken possession of 
that part of the city, it seemed desirable to move higher up town, 
and after long consideration, the religieuse decided to accept the 
very advantageous offer of the estate before mentioned on Uni- 
versity Heights, where they have opened a day school. 

FORDHAM UNIVERSITY— HISTORICAL STATEMENT. 
The formal opening of Fordham College took place in June 
24, 1841. The following September the doors were thrown open 
to half a dozen students, but before the close of the academic 
year the number had been considerably increased. The insti- 
tution was founded by Archbishop Hughes, and was for five years 
under the direction of the secular priests, with Dr. McCloskey, 
the first American cardinal, as its first president. The steady 
growth of the college soon rendered it advisable to apply for 
articles of incorporation; and on April 10, 1846, the act of incor- 
poration was passed, whereby St. John's College was raised to 
the rank of a university, with the power "to confer such literary 
honors, degrees, or diplomas as are usually granted by any uni- 
versity, college or seminary of learning in the United States." 
About this time Archbishop Hughes, the founder, decided to 
entrust the management of the college to some religious order 
devoted to educational work, and for this purpose he opened 
communications with the Jesuits who had charge of St. Mary's 
College, Kentucky, with the result that the following year the 



faculty of St. Mary's succeeded the secular priests in the ad- 
ministration of the college. Since then the work has been carried 
on solely by the Jesuits. 

BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS. 

The college grounds extend over seventy acres. The 
picturesque country for miles around, the notably healthy cli- 
mate, the vast reaches of lawn and rich farm lands surrounding 
the college buildings present an ideal rural scene and afford the 
seclusion necessary for a seat of learning. But those who ad- 
mire our extensive campus and lawns and farm lands and noble 
trees, may not be aware that our city rental for the last ten 
years alone amounts to $50,66,^52. Hence, during these years 
an average of over $5,000 has been annually paid to the city au- 
thorities in assessments and taxes. The city's bill against the 
college for the current year's improvement of property in the 
vicinity is $6,293.09. The coming few years promise to be 
equally prolific in extraordinary taxes. This yearly outlay to- 
gether with the 'interest on our debt, which was contracted in 
former building operations, must be met by the income derived 
from our students' tuition fees. Our sole endowment, if such 
it may be called, is represented by the twelve scholarship funds 
permanently established. And the few and small unconditioned 
donations received, and gratefully acknowledged whenever the 
opportunity offers, do not as yet compare favorably with the 
annual or monthly records of other both denominational and 
secular educational institutions of equal size. Between the years 
1865 and 1870, $10,147 was donated for the construction of Senior 
Hall, and in 1891, for the new Faculty Hall, a friend contributed 
$15,000. 

There are nine university buildings. Five of these build- 
ings are used for purpose of instruction, accommodation of resi- 
dent students, etc., the remaining four being the University 
Chapel, the Faculty Hall, Armory Hall and the offices for the 
directors of the university. 

THE NEW ROSE HILL MANOR. 
This structure, erected in 1838, and the oldest building of 
any importance now at Fordham, was so designated to dis- 
tinguish it from the old Rose Hill Manor — the original build- 
ing of the estate — which dated back to ante-revolutionary days. 
Formerly, the entire work of the college was carried on within 
its walls ; but in i860, when the purchase of St. John's Hall was 
effected, some of the classes were transferred. In the new Rose 
Hill Manor are now located the executive offices of the university, 
including the president's office, the offices of the vice-president, 
the trea.surer and the registrar ; also the tastefully decorated re- 
ception rooms. 

ST. JOHN'S HALL. 
St. John's Hall, originally the diocesan seminary, was long 
used as a science hall, but the marked growth of the college 
necessitated the erection of other buildings. Accordingly, in 
1885 it was fitted up for the accommodation of the small boys. 
The hall in its present arrangement contains three spacious 
dormitories, two parlors, a reading room, a study hall, and a 
music room. Careful and abundant provision has been made for 
heat, light and ventilation. The extensive playground facing 
the Botanical Gardens in Bronx Park affords ample opportuni- 
ties for all kinds of physical exercise. 

THE COLLEGE CHAPEL. 
Adjoining St. John's Hall is the College Chapel. One of 

the handsomest edifices of its kind in New York, it is of Gothic 




X 






HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



127 



architecture, is richly frescoed and contains six valuable stained 
glass windows. These were at first intended for St. Patrick's 
Cathedral, but as they did not fit, they were handed over to the 
church at Fordham. They represent St. Peter and St. Paul, and 
tlie four Evangelists. The coloring is as soft and fresh to-day 
as ever.. 

SENIOR HALL. 
Senior Hall. 136 feet by 60 feet, was erected in 1865. better 
to accommodate the growing school, and to relieve the crowded 
rooms of the other buildings. It is set apart for the use of the 
students of the college department. The first floor contains the 
recreation, the reading and the billiard rooms. On the second 
floor are situated the lecture rooms of the college classes. The 
three upper stories are reserved for the private apartments of the 
students. Immediately adjoining is the college campus. 

SCIENCE HALL. 
This building, 123 feet by 50 feet, is of blue stone trimmed 
with white marble. It contains the boilers and the electric plant 
for lighting the college, the students' library, the lecture rooms 
for physics and chemistry, the general and private laboratories, 
the cabinet and the museum. The building was begun in 1885 
and was finished in 1886. 

JUNIOR HALL. 
Junior Hal! is almost the exact counterpart of Senior Hall. 
It was built in 1889, and is 140 feet by 60 feet. The large play- 
ground in the rear, the class rooms, the study hall, the dormitory, 
the students' rooms, etc., are reserved for the exclusive use of 
the high school students. Here, too, is the office of the com- 
mandant; also that of the chief disciplinarian. 

FACULTY HALL. 
Like Junior and Senior Halls this building is made of blue 
stone with white marble trimmings. It was completed in 1891. 
It has five stories, is 170 feet by 50 feet, and contains the stu- 
dents' refectory, and the rooms of the faculty. It also contains 
a smaller chapel for the students, ys feet by 50 feet, two stories 
high, and adorned with three beautifully carved altars and an 
altar screen, and with thirteen precious stained glass windows. 
The daily services are usually held here. 

ARMORY HALL. 
This building is a two-story structure. The basement is 
built of concrete and is fitted up according to army regulations 
for target practice. The large room, extending the length of 
the main floor, is the armory proper. On the floor above is a 
class room, where a course of lectures on discipline, military 
hygiene and etiquette, military history and kindred subjects is 
regularly given. 

COLLEGE HALL. 
College Hall is the latest addition to the college buildings. 
I.' faces the south and is a four-story structure, built of brick 
and trimmed with terra cotta mouldings. Its length is 140 feet 
and its width 69 feet. The main corridor leads to eight class 
rooms, each of which, twenty-seven feet square, is fitted up with 
all the latest appliances of modern schoolrooms, and tastefully 
finished in quartered oak. The second floor contains the audi- 
torium, extending throughout the length of the building, occu- 
pying the full sweep of two stories with the height of 42 feet, 
ind having a seating capacity of one thousand. It has a spa- 
cious stage and twelve adjoining dressing rooms. The gallery 



entrance on the fourth floor has a seating capacity of four hun 
dred. The basement contains a large play room, with bath and 
boiler rooms adjoining. 

COURSES OF STUDY. 

The university includes three departments — the Department 
of Philosophy and Arts, the Department of Medicine and the 
Department of Law. In tlie Department of Philosophy and 
Arts are included the academic departments of the classical and 
non-classical courses. These courses cover four years and lead, 
the former to the degree of A.B., the latter to that of B.S. The 
classical course embraces, besides the Latin and Greek classic 
and English history, one modern language, mathematics, chem- 
istry, geology, astronomy, mechanics and a thorough training in 
physics and philosophy. The optional studies are calculus, ana- 
lytical chemistry, physics, higher laboratory work, modern 
languages, biology, pedagogics. The non-classical course is in- 
tended for those who desire a sound education without the study 
of Latin and Greek classics. Latin and Greek are replaced by 
additional studies in modern languages, science and mathematics. 
The optional studies are the same as in the classical course. 

The medical school offers a four-year course leading to the 
degree of M.D. The standard of the school is based upon one 
year of college work. All candidates must present a medical 
students' certificate of the regents of the University of the State 
of New York, showing that the candidate has completed at least 
the freshman year in a college registered by the regents as main- 
taining a satisfactory standard. The Science Hall, to which an 
addition has been made, will temporarily answer the purposes of 
a medical building. It will contain large and well-lighted lecture 
rooms, chemical, histological and bacteriological laboratories, and 
a dissecting room. Special attention is called to the advantages 
possessed by the students in having the Fordham Hospital situ- 
ated on the grounds. 

The course of the law school covers a period of three years 
and leads to the degree of LL. B. Candidates must have com- 
pleted a satisfactory high school course. The lecture rooms, 
debating hall and library are situated on West i6th Street, be- 
tween Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Prominent lawyers and judges, 
authorities on their special subjects, have consented to give 
courses of lectures during the year. 

High School Department — -The High School Department of 
the classical course extends over four years, the studies being so 
graded as to form a preparation for the college. That of the 
non-classical department covers a like period. Though this de- 
partment does not undertake to instruct the student in actual 
business practice, all that is absolutely necessary for commercial 
purposes can be learned. 

Grammar Department — There are three classes in this de- 
partment, arranged for those students who are not old enough, 
or not far enough advanced, to enter the high school department. 
Such students are supposed to have reached in their previous 
studies the second highest grade of the public grammar school. 
The course embraces reading, writing, spelling, grammar, ele- 
mentary composition, history, geography and arithmetic. 

LIBRARIES. 
The college library contains 40,000 volumes, among which are 
counted rich collections of works on history, and of periodical 
literature. It possesses, also, the famous Gambosville library, 
which for works on ancient and modern art is the largest and 
most valuable collection in the country. Besides the college 
library, there is also the circulating library, containing over 




RIVER PARK ^ 

ST. Vincent's po\ 







ACADEMY MT.ST.VIMCENT 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



J29 



10,000 volumes, specially adapted to the needs of the students. 
Connected with it is a large and attractive reading room, sup- 
plied with all conveniences for consultation and private work. 

COLLEGE SOCIETIES. 
The Sodalities — These organizations, the object of which is 
to inculcate a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin, are justly 
held to be important and, as the experience of the past has 
abundantly proved, very eftective adjuncts in developing the 
moral character of the students. Each hall, therefore, has its 
own sodality. Membership is not of obligation; on the contrary, 
it is strictly limited to those who by their general moral de- 
portment give evidence that they will be a credit to the sodality. 
The Parthenian Sodality of Senior Hall was established in 1837. 

Senior Debating Society — This society was organized in 1854. 
Its object is to accustom its members, by means of debates and 
literary compositions, to speak with ease and fluency on useful, 
interesting and timely subjects. Membership is limited to the 
senior, junior and sophomore classes. The society meets once 
a week. In April a formal public debate is held, to which 
friends and relatives are invited. Of the past members those who 
have attained eminence are, amongst others, the present Arch- 
bishop, the President of the Bronx, the Presiding Judge of the 
Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of New York, the 
Commissioner of Street Openings, a leading member of the 
Faculty of City College, prominent representatives of the bench 
and the bar and many well known in medical, educational and 
political circles. 

Junior Debating Society, composed of the members of the 
freshman classes, is designed as a preparation for the Senior 
Debating Society. Meetings are held every fortnight. 

St. John's Dramatic Association, closely connected with the 
debating societies, is the dramatic association. Its aim is to 
acustom its members, by means of dramatic reading and repre- 
sentations, to appear in public with ease and grace. The new 
auditorium will afford greater facilities for the attainment of this 
desirable end. 

The "Fordham Monthly" — This magazine is conducted by a 
board of student editors. Its purpose is to foster literary effort, 
to chronicle the news of the university and to keep the alumni 
in touch with the projects and successes of their alma mater. 

Fordham College Athletic Association — This association was 
organized to encourage and promote athletic sports. It is a 
member of the Intercollegiate Association of Amateur Athletes 
of America. 

NEEDS OF THE UNIVERSITY. 

Without endowment, and with scant benefactions to assist 
it in its noble work, scarcely $30,000 has been donated within the 
past twenty-five years. Fordham College, thanks to the resolute 
labors of its directors, has grown to a university. The many 
improvements necessitated by the increase of students have con- 
siderably augmented the debt already incurred. The faculty, 
therefore, make an earnest appeal to the friends of the college 
and to all who are interested in the work of education to assist 
them with funds for the liquidation of the debt, the erection of 
buildings and the endowment of the various departments of the 
university. 

Chief among the wants of the college are the following: A 
medical school, which would consist mainly of lecture rooms, 
dissecting room, library, museum, laboratories, etc. 

ACADEMY MOUNT ST. VINCENT.— Bronx Bor- 
ough has perhaps no more delightful spot than the hillsid* on 



the Hudson, crowned by the stately towers of a far-famed con- 
vent school, the Academy Mount St. Vincent. The surround- 
ings well befit a home sacred to the Muses ; for, in a ramble 
through the spacious grounds, one sees in pleasing succession 
woodland, lake, isle and embowered grotto, orchards, meadows, 
gardens, farm lands, pine-grove, ravine and brooklet, lawns, 
courts, terraces; and, scattered tastefully here and there, shrines, 
rustic arbors, fountains and statuary. "We are now treading 
the Via Angelorum," writes a pilgrim to the Mount, "and al- 
ready the massive academy buildings have come into sight. A 
sudden turn in this road of many windings, and presto ! fairy- 
land — enchanted castle and all bursts upon our view. We rub 
our eyes; even we who have known and loved, since childhood's 
days, these dear old haunts and scenes. A first view can never 
do justice to the details that here invite the eye, details that 
vary endlessly with changing lights and hours and seasons. * * * 
The autumn sky stretches above us, a dome of palpitating blue 
with masses of silver cloud-palaces rising above the summits of 
the distant mountains. The Palisades are tapestried in crim- 
son, gold and purple, while down the beautiful Hudson moves a 
stately river steamer." (Vide, "A Famous Convent School," by 
Marion J. Brunowe, New York. The Meany Co.) Hudson 
River trains from the Grand Central reach, in less than half 
an hour, the Mount St. Vincent station on the academy grounds. 
"Fonthill Castle, a romantic looking pile of half Norman, 
half Gothic architecture, intercepts the view on the left. Set 
like a gem in the midst of these scenes, it lends an old-world 
charm to the surrounding landscape. (En passant — This Castle 
contains a fine museum, its chief treasure being one of the 
choicest and richest mineral collections in the State.) On our 
right the stately academy, now wholly in view, stands in poten- 
tial grandeur, gazing serenely down from its many windows 
upon the spacious campus ; the curved terraces aglow with sal- 
vias, asters and hydrangeas ; and last, but not least, upon its 
greatest pride and joy, a bevy of young girls, who have just 
come forth to recreate in the favorite tennis-court. Snatches 
of gay chatter and peals of melodious laughter attest the happi- 
ness mirrored in the bright faces, making one long to join in 
their pleasant sports. Another party is starting in a wagonette 
for a drive, the objective point of which is the Bronx Horti- 
cultural Gardens. * * * Places of historic interest abound in 
the vicinity of Mount St. Vincent and furnish the reason for 
many a charming little pleasure and educational trip. The 
Phillipse and Van Cortland Manors, Sunnyside and Sleepy Hol- 
low are within driving distance, besides much of the lovely coun- 
try on the Hudson so enchantingly portrayed in the pages of 
Irving; Tappan Zee with its memories of Andre ; in fact, all 
Westchester County so rich in Revolutionary scenes and mem- 
ories." But now a word as to the origin of the school. Its 
founders were the Sisters of Charity, the daughters of Mother 
Elizabeth Bayley Seton. The work was planned under the au- 
spices of the most Reverend John Hughes, first Archbishop of 
New York, one who was not only an illustrious prelate, but a 
great patriot, and who, although a foreigner by birth, yet ranks 
among the makers of America. (Vide "Most Reverend John 
Hughes," by Rev. Henry A. Brann, D.D., in the series, "Makers 
of America," N. Y., Dodd, Mead & Co. ; also Hassard's Life of 
Archbishop Hughes, N. Y., Appleton & Co.) Mother Seton is an 
interesting figure in the history of pedagogy, for her aims and 
methods prove her to have been an early worker in the field of 
higher education for young women. More than a century ago on 
the banks of the river that sparkles below the academy terrace, in 
the fair City of New York, grew up the young girl, the noble 
woman whose influence made this beautiful home of education a 



130 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



possibility. Generous hearted, high-minded, wonderfully gifted, 
the daughter of an aristocratic family, Elizabeth Seton through 
sorrow, trial and perplexity was led into the Catholic Church. 
From childhood she had felt a strong attraction to the work of 
charity, but with the light of faith there came into her heart a 
new yearning, an irresistible desire to devote herself to the 
work of Christian education ; and what she accomplished for 
this in the space of a few short years, in spite of almost 
insurmountable obstacles, seems little short of the miraculous. 
With a few chosen spirits, who like herself, desired to consecrate 
themselves to the work of education, she opened at Emmitsburg, 
Maryland, in 1810, the first Catholic boarding school for girls in 
the United States. In 1817 she sent a little band of her spiritual 
daughters to the City of New York, there to work in behalf of 
charity and education. In that year the sisters opened an or- 
phanage in Prince Street. [This institution is still in existence, 



encamped across the island from the East River to the Hudson, 
about a mile and a half below." [Vide "Elizabeth Seton," by I 
Agnes Sadlier, N. Y., D. & J. Sadlier.] In this house, smid , 
these surroundings the work went on for some twelve years, 1 
but the metropolis in "seven league boots" was striding north- 
ward, and the municipal authorities desiring to purchase the con- 
vent property, the Sisters had to seek a home elsewhere. The 
"Old Mount" was soon to become tradition. "The Mother 
Superior who governed the community at the time, and her 1 
advisory board, bought for the new Mount St. Vincent the estate 
of the late Edwin Forrest, the noted tragedian, situated about 
ten miles to the northward, in Westchester County, on the shore | 
of the Hudson. The actor had named the place "Font Hill," 
after the vast domain and famous palace of the author of "Vat- 
hek;" and had built on it a Norman castle which was but just 
completed when difficulties arose between himself and his wife, 



FONTHILl. CASTLE 




and in its present quarters on Fordham Heights shelters some 
800 children.] Parochial schools and academies sprang up as 
the demand required, and finally in 1847 came the foundation of 
the Convent School of Mount St. Vincent. An estate was pur- 
chased which was then five miles from the heart of the city. It 
included a dwelling on an eminence at 109th Street and Fifth 
Avenue, a spot known as McGowan's Pass and now an interest- 
ing section of Central Park. "Hard by are still to be seen," 
remarks a recent writer, "the remains of a fortification which 
was constructed during the Revolutionary War, and which was 
serving as the advanced post of the American Army when it 
evacuated New York City and fell back to Kingsbridge, after 
the disastrous battle of Long Island. Old General Israel Putnam 
commanded the post at McGowan's Pass, and in the building 
afterwards purchased by the Sisters, General Washington, no 
doubt, often conferred with him, and from the high grounds 
about it, surveyed through his glass, the British troops that lay 



which resulted in lhe:r separation. The castle still remains, a 
thing of beauty, especially in summer, when its gray stone 
walls and battlements are thrown into strong relief by the mass 
of green foliage about it, affording a picturesque home for the 
Reverend Chaplain, and accommodation for the ecclesiastical 
visitors who tarry over night at the "Mount" as the Sisters' home 
is familiarly called. On a sort of natural terrace, above and to 
the north of this castle, a great building of red brick, three hun- 
dred feet in length and sixty feet in depth, was erected for the 
housing of both community and academy; and in 1859 (fifty 
years after Mother Seton began her foundation at Emmitsburg) 
the New York Sisters removed thither. The school grew so 
rapidly that in 1865 a large wing, projecting eastward one hun- 
dred feet beyond the main building, was added on the south. In 
1884 a corresponding wing was added on the north to give room 
[Vide, "Elizabeth Seton," Agnes Sadlier] for the overflowing 
novitiate, and the training school, wher? the young daughters 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



131 



of St. Vincent, at this writing, one himdred in number, are being 
carefully prepared for what Archbishop Carroll prophesied would 
be their chief work in this country — the imparting of a Christian 
education to the young. The entire building, now four hundred 
and sixty-seven feet in length, is of the Byzantine style of archi- 
tecture, and is surmounted by a central tower one hundred and 
eighty feet in height, fruui which thrice a day for half a century 
a sweet-toned bell has sent far and near through the stillness 
the sound of the Angelus. Midway between these wings and 
parallel with them, the exquisite beautiful Romanesque chapel 
projects one hundred and thirty-five feet from the main building." 




Ch.^pcl, Mount St. Vincent 

The equipment of the interior of the academy is little short of 
ideal. Atrium, parlors, corridors, airy sleeping apartments, well 
appointed baths, gynu'.asium, recreation, dining, music and lec- 
ture halls, class rooms, library, studio, chapel ; all are planned, 
not only with a view to health and comfort, but as an object 
lesson in the aesthetics of simplicity. Besides junior and gram- 
mar departments and those of art and music, there are well 
planned academic courses in English, science and language, in 
accordance with the requirements of the Educational Board of 
New York State. At present the freshman course of college 
work is also given and more advanced classes are in contempla- 
tion. The Sisters of Charity were incorporated as a teaching 
body in 1849, and later on Mount St. Vincent received its char- 



ter from the Legislature. The end aimed at in the training of the 
student is that of all true education, a triple one, the develop- 
ment of body, mind and heart, above all the formation of char- 
acter. The young girls' teachers, the guides of her daily life, 
endeavor to persuade her that to be noble, true and good, is better 
than to have all possible material possessions. In fine, the eflfort 
is made to combine wisely for her benefit, modern educational 
methods with those traditional principles that are a precious 
heritage of the ages. To this end, when it becomes necessary, the 
pupil is reminded that her enthusiasm for study must not lead 
her to neglect the social graces, that self reliance, although 
a most desirable quality, should not be permitted to degenerate 
into an exaggerated individualism, that a so-called career is 
sometimes purchased at too dear a price ; namely, the sacrifice of 
those beautiful qualities that shed a lustre on the lives of so 
many daughters, wives and mothers of the olden time; and 
finally, that according to its mood, the world may smile at, en- 
courage or applaud the strenuous woman, but that it will ever 
continue to worship the gentillissima. 

A SHORT SKETCH OF THE HISTORY OF THE URSU- 
LINES AND OF THEIR ACADEMY AT 
BEDFORD PARK. 
Early in the sixteenth century, .Angela Merici, an Italian 
maiden, assisted by several zealous companions of high rank 
in the society of their day, established an institute for the edu- 
cation of female youth. Angela placed her order under the pro- 
tection of St. Ursula, the famed princess-saint of Britain; hence 
llif name of "Ursuline," which represents nearly four centuries 
of heroic labor in the field of Christian education. The first 
Ursuline Convent in America was that founded in 1639, at 
Quebec, by Mother Mary, of the Incarnation. Other Ursuline 
communities settled in various parts of the United States, the 
number at present exceeding forty, each counting several branches 
in its organization. The Ursulines now at Bedford Park came 
from St. Louis, Mo., in 1855. They purchased a tract of about 
nine acres at East Morrisania, and built there a convent and 
academy. In the course of time the location became unfavorable 
to their work and their present charming site at Bedford Park 
was secured. The imposing building known as Mount St. 
Ursula Academy was erected and the Sisters and their pupils 
took possession on April 23, 1892. The course of study at the 
academy includes eight years of elementary study, followed by 
four full academic years, with advantages for higher study at 
option. The old convent having been purchased by a Jewish 
syndicate, was remodeled and converted into what is now called 
ll-e Lebanon Hospital. 

MANHATTAN COLLEGE, NEW YORK.— 'ITiis famous 
institution of learning, conducted by the Christian Brothers, had 
a modest beginning back in the forties. Down in Canal Street, 
close to the Church of St. Vincent, it held its first session in 
September, 1849. Even in that remote period Canal Street was 
a busy thoroughfare; and, though differing in some respects 
from the Canal Street of to-day, there was a close resemblance 
in its long lines of laden vehicles and its hurrying throngs of 
business people. The noise, the traffic, the congested character 
of the locality were borne with for a time, but at last those 
who were entrusted with the welfare of the school were com- 
pelled to look out for a site better adapted to the scholastic wants 
of the new institution. The desirable site was found far away 
from the bustle and throbbing excitement of the great city on 
the breezy and woody heights of Manhattanville. Now, sur- 




Ursulinc Academy, Bedford Park 




Mfinhattan College* New Yorfe 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



133 



rounded by oaks and elms and looking out unimpeded on the 
waters of the Hudson, the new school opened its portals in 
September, 1853, under the title of the Academy of the Holy 
Infancy. The first ten years were a period of pedagogical ac- 
tivity crowned by a steady and gratifying prosperity. The insti- 
tution had by this time a fine local habitation and a name honor- 
ably known in educational circles. Its growth was organic and 
its development so rapid that in 1863 the Regents of the Uni- 
versity of the State of New York granted it a charter under 
the corporate title of Manhattan College in the City of New 
York. Among the warm supporters of its early collegiate years 
we find the names of L. Silliman Ives, Henry L. Hoguet, John 
E. Dcvelin and Edward C. Donnelly. Whilst among those who 
were called to shape its destinies were such educators as Brother 
Patrick, Brother Paulian and Brother Tustin. The applied 
sciences received academical recognition in 1888, when a de- 
partment of civil engineering was opened in De Le Salle Insti- 
tute, Central Park South, with the eminent scholar and engineer, 
Brother C. Paulian as principal. To the usual degrees in arts 
were now added similar honors in civil engineering, and from 
that day to the present, Manhattan has been graduating able 
and successful engineers as she had always been graduating men 
distinguished in the other professions. The continual advance 
of the city to the north and west of the island robbed Manhat- 
tan at last of its leafy surroundings and academic seclusion. 
The grand old mansions of the Develins and Donnellys that 
stood as landmarks in Harlem have been razed and the very 



knolls in which they stood have been leveled in order to make 
room for the ubiquitous apartment houses; while the grinding 
and pounding, the rumble and clatter of the elevated part of the 
"Subway" hard by, grate on the ear all day long and even far 
into the hours of the night. The spot which was an eligible 
and magnificent site in 1853 became unsuitable and wholly inade- 
quate fifty years later, in 1903. Accordingly, a new location was 
looked for and ultimately found at Van Cortlandt Park West. 
There it is proposed to erect the new Manhattan on an elevated 
plateau that commands a full sweep of the horizon, looking down 
on the lakes and golf links of the park on the one side and on 
the Hudson and the Palisades on the other. This move brings 
the college away from the Borough of Manhattan into the Bor- 
ough of the Bronx. Plans for the buildings are in course of 
preparation (Sept., 1905) and it is confidently expected that 
work will be begin early next spring to be vigorously pushed 
on to completion. Besides recitation rooms, library and reading 
rooms for the arts department, there will be in addition to the 
equipments for civil engineering, laboratories for mechanical and 
electrical engineering, as well as complete steam and electric 
plants. Adequate provision will also be made for the many 
wants of the business department, so that with its advent to its 
new home in the Bronx, Manhattan College will begin a new 
chapter in its history, as well as a new era in the grand educa- 
tional work which it has been doing in the Empire City for the 
last half a century. 





E 
o 
X 




o 




CHAPTER XXXVI 



MUNICIPAL, MEDICAL, CHARITABLE AND BENEVOLENT INSTITUTIONS AND SOCIETIES IN 

THE BOROUGH OF THE BRONX 



By Dr. Gustave H. E. Starke, Member New York County and State Medical Associations, American Medical 
Association, and the Medical Society ot the Borough of the Bronx 



In 1890 the Borough of the Bronx contained about forty 
practicing physicians within its area to a population of 210,000. 
In igos the directory pubhshed by the J\ew iork Stale Medical 
Association contains the names and addresses of two hundred 
and seventeen by actual count, and adding tliose that have 
settled in the Bronx since us last publication, undoubtedly 
brings that number now close up to three hundred, to a popu- 
lation estimated by the Board of health to July 1, 1905, of 
294,939, which figures are, however, more apt to be below, than 
above, the actual number. At the date first above written there 
uas not a single bed nor a hospital in the borough for accident 
or emergency cases, all such cases having to be sent to, or called 
for, from the Harlem Reception 1-lospital, located in East 120th 
Street. Now we have three hospitals for such cases, with 650 
beds, and two more nearing completion, increasing the capacity 
10 1,100 beds when finished. In addition there are three hospi- 
tals for chronic invalids and one for contagious diseases, which 
have been established for some years, bringing the entire num- 
ber of beds for all cases up to 2,330 for the entire borough. 

Medical societies for the discussion of scientific subjects 
and friendly intercourse among physicians there were none 
(iiior to 1893, excepting the Yonkers Medical Society, which 
held monthly meetings in the houses of the various members, 
giving one an opportunity to drive to Yonkers, through dark 
and muddy country roads, to return home in the "wee sma" 
lifurs of the morning. Now we have a representative Medical 
Society of over one hundred members, which holds meetings 
once a month and is within easy reach of everybody. 

The number of drug stores within the Bronx Borough in 
i8go could be counted upon the fingers of both hands, now there 
is one to about every four physicians. 

The Health Department previous to 1896, was represented 
by two physicians to investigate and report upon every case of 
contagious disease reported to the department within the bor- 
ough. For this purpose it was divided into two districts, the 
eastern extending from the Harlem River on the south to the 
city line at Woodlawn on the north, and east from Jerome 
avenue to Long Island Sound. The last representative for this 
district before the Health Department staff was increased was 
Dr. Wm. J. O'Byrne, who also acted as special diagnostician for 
this territory, but including on the south down to 90th Street. 
On the west side extending west of Jerome Avenue to the 
city limits. Dr. Parsons, of Kingsbridge, performed similar 
services. For their arduous labors these gentlemen were paid 
$1,500 each per annum. To-day our Health Department for the 
Bronx consists of one Assistant Sanitary Superintendent at a 



salary of $3,500 per annum, one Assistant Registrar of Vital Sta- 
tistics at $3,000 per annum, four Sanitary, seven Medical and 
two Food inspectors, one Veterniarian, one Laboratory Assist- 
ant, six Disinfectors and seven School Inspectors, besides clerka 
and other help, making the entire number of employees about 
forty, at a yearly salary list aggregating about $47,000, exclu- 
sive of free diphtheria antitoxin, free vaccinations for the poor 
and during small pox epidemics, the summer corps of phy- 
sicians to visit the tenements during hot weather and treat the 
poor gratis ; about twenty board of health stations for the dis- 
tribution of anti-oxin and the collection of diphtheria, typhoid 
and malarial cultures, or the sputum of tubercular patients, for 
diagnostic purposes, rent or any other running expenses. So 
that the salary list does not by any means cover all the city 
spends in looking after the health of its inhabitants. The local 
branch of the department is now located at 1237 Franklin Ave- 
nue, and was opened early in the year 1898. 

The health of the Bronx compares as favorably as any 
other borough composing the City of New York. The statistics 
of the Board of Health, though, show a larger mortality rate 
for the Borough of the Bronx than others which is easily ac- 
counted for by the number of institutions for chronic invalids, 
which alone comprise 880 beds, where they are gathered from 
all over the city and come here to die. It has been calculated 
that 27 per cent, of the deaths taking place in the Bronx should 
be distributed over the city at large to place the local death rate 
of its residents at its true level. 

The death rate of Manhattan and the Bronx follows below, 
from the records since the establishment of the Branch Depart- 
ment of the Board of Health in the Bronx since 1898: 

Year. Manhattan. Bronx 

1898 19.16 per 1,000 21.22 per 1,000 

1899 18.54 22.81 

1900 20.q8 21.58 

■1901 20.58 2J.56 

1902 19.40 20.21 

1903 19-312 16.76 

1904 21.82 21.75 

It is worthy of remark that the year 1903 had an excep- 
tionally low mortality rate for the Bronx in spite of its handi- 
cap and in spite of the fact that la grippe, pneumonia and 
other epidemic diseases raged just as much as in other years. 
It may probably be partly accounted for by a cool summer, 
which greatly decreased infant mortality, systematic school in- 
spection for the prevention of contagious diseases among school 




■J , ; 



St. Joseph's Hospital, East 143d and t44th Streets and Brook and St. Ann's Avenues 




Colored Orphan Asylum, RJverdale Avenue 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



137 



children, and a generally improved sanitary condition as re- 
gards street cleaning,, the disposal of refuse, tenement house in- 
spection and the more scattered areas of new buildings giving 
each its share of fresh air and sunshine and the absence of over- 
crowding, such as exists on the lower East Side, which is as 
yet a stranger to this district. 

The large increase in t]ie death rate for tlie year 1904 is 
caused by the Slocum disaster, which happened in this borough, 
and as the deaths occurred here they were charged against this 
borough, though the majority lived in Manhattan. 

The first hospital to be established by the city and open to 
the general public for accident and emergency cases in the 
Bronx was the Fordham Hospital, in 1892, then on Valentine 
Avenue, near Kingsbridge Road, as a branch of Bellevue Hospi- 
tal and containing twenty-five beds. In i8g8 an increased popu- 
lation made such demands upon its capacity that removal to 
more commodious quarters at Aqueduct Avenue and St. James 
Place became necessary, where twenty more beds were added. 
The latter place has since outgrown its usefulness and new 
quarters are being erected by the city on Southern Boulevard and 
Crotona Avenue, at a cost of half a million dollars, with room 
for one hundred and fifty beds, suitable quarters for doctors, 
nurses, etc., in auxiliary buildings, giving the Bronx a thoroughly 



cases for all creeds, color or nationality. An ambulance service 
was added in 1901 to cover the territory from I4gth to 170th 
Streets. In 1904 owing to the larger demands made upon it. 
its capacity was gradually increased to two hundred beds. It 
is another example of the splendid philanthropy of our Jewish 
population in looking after the sick and helpless, being sup- 
ported principally by \aluntary subscriptions and donations. It 
is open to free and pay patients alike, and also has a free dis- 
pensary connected with it. 

Riverside Hospital at North Brother Island was opened in 
1885 in charge of the Board of Health exclusively for con- 
tagious diseases, which cannot be safely isolated at home, or 
which are received from the Quarantine Department of the 
State of New York. It is arranged on the pavilion plan, of 
which there are ten, with accommodations for 350 patients. At 
the present time it is used for cases of scarlet fever, diphtheria, 
measles and tuberculosis, but during the smallpox epidemic of 
1900 to 1902 it was used for the isolation of patients suffering 
with that disease only. 

Another hospital now being constructed is the new St. 
Fraiicis, taking in the entire block from I42d to 143d Streets 
and Brook and St. Ann's Avenues, with its main and auxiliary 
buildings. The buildings are fireproof and dignified in ap- 




Lincoln Hospital, 14 1st Street and Concord Avenue 



up-to-date and modern establishment for all requirements. The 
ttrritory covered by their ambulance extends from 170th Street 
east to City Island and the city limits on the north and west. 

Though the Lincoln Hospital and Home of the City of New 
York, formerly the Colored Home and Hospital, located at East 
i-Ust Street and Concord Avenue, west of the Southern Boule- 
vard, was incorporated in 1845, it was restricted for colored 
people until 1901, when it was opened to the general public and 
an ambulance service added in 1902, to cover the territory 
south of 149th Street to the Harlem River, east and west. It 
maintains a general hospital for the medical and surgical treat- 
ment of pay and free patients, without distinction of race, creed 
or color, having separate buildings for consumptive and ma- 
ternity patients, and a detached pavilion for infectious diseases, 
h provides a home for the support and comfort of aged, infirm 
and destitute colored persons of both sexes ; a home for in- 
curables, and a training school for colored nurses was estab- 
lished in 1898. The buildings have a capacity of four hundred 
beds. It is supported by voluntary subscriptions, donations, 
bequests, endowed beds and municipal grants. 

Lebanon Hospital at Westchester and Cauldwell Avenues, 
formerly the Ursuline Convent, was opened to the public on 
Washington's Birthday in 1893, with twenty-five beds, for acute 



pearance. The work is piogressing rapidly, and there is offered 
the assurance that the buildings will be ready for occupancy in 
the early part of 1905. The cost involved is considerable for a 
charitable hospital, most of it being defrayed by the voluntary 
contriVutions of the poor. It is to take the place of the old 
Fifth Street Hospital and is in charge of the Sisters of St. 
Francis of the Poor, by whom the St. Joseph's Hospital adjoin- 
ing is also run. The new hospital will accommodate about 350 
patients. 

St. Joseph's Hospital for Consumptives in East 143d to 
I 14th Streets from Brook to St. Ann's Avenues, was established 
in 1882 and is in charge of the Sisters of the Poor of St. Francis. 
It has a capacity of four hundred beds, exclusively for those 
afflicted with tuberculosis, and is supported by voluntary sub- 
scriptions and donations entirely. It fills a long felt want in .so 
far that very few hospitals care to receive this class of patients, 
and here they are taken in and cared for from all over the city — 
a most noble and charitable work for which the Sisters deserve 
much credit. Though a Roman Catholic institution it is open 
to all creeds and nationalities, and also has a ward devoted to the 
care of babies and children. 

Seton Hospital at Spuyten Duyvil was incorporated in 1892 
and opened in 1895 for consumptives only, by Sister Mary Irene 



m 



HlSYORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



of the Sisters of Charity, under whose management it is run. 
It has an annex for women and children and accommodates 200. 
li has a most beautiful location, overlooking the Hudson and 
Harlem Rivers amid invigorating surroundings. 

The Home for Incurables on Third Avenue, between iSist 
and 184th Streets, occupying some ten acres of ground, is, as 
its name implies, for patients of both sexes suffering from in- 
curable diseases other than contagious or infectious, ami nm in- 
sane. It was incorporated in 1866 and opened the same year. 
It has accommodations for 280 patients, and with additions in 
buildings now under way will be able to house over 300, of which 
the free and endowed beds number about one-third. It has its 
own chapel, sunlight parlors, library, smoking and billiard room 
for men, a separate building for its medical superintendent and 
pleasant grounds for outdoor recreation. 

Other benevolent and charitable institutions in the Bronx 



tion or reformation; those between 7 and 16 years of age coni- 
mitted as idle, truant, vicious or homeless by order of a police 
magistrate ; and those of a lilce age transferred by the Depart- 
ment of Public Charities. The boys receive a general school 
education and are taught trades, among which the following may 
be mentioned: Printing, electrotyping, bookbinding, shoe, 
brush, harness and paper box making, tailoring, chair caning, 
bricklaying, plumbing, telegraphy, photography, music, baking, 
farming, gardening, blacksmithing, wheehvrighting, carpenter- 
ing, electric lighting, painting and drawing. The girls also re- 
ceive a school education and are taught hand and machine sew- 
ing, embroidery, typewriting and telegraphy, cooking, laundry 
work and music. The work is in the hands of the Brothers of 
the Christian Schools, who act as teachers and instructors, and 
perform the various other duties connected with the institution. 
Webb's Academy and Home for Shipbuilders is located at 




Scton Hospital, 

are the American Female Guardian Society and Home for 
Friendless Girls; occupying the beautiful site opposite McComb's 
Dam Park, overlooking the Harlem River and the upper section 
of Harlem, on Woodycrest Avenue and i6ist Street, opened in 
1902. This society aims to save from degradation friendless 
and neglected children. These children, after being legally 
surrendered to the Society, are transferred by adoption to Chris- 
tian families after careful investigation. Sewing, cooking and 
other industries are taught them while inmates of the Home. 
Their building impresses one with its solidity and is thoroughly 
modern in every respect. 

The New York Catholic Protectory at Westchester, founded 
in 1863, but not built until 1865 at its present location, is one of 
the largest institutions in the Bronx, and quite a city in itself. 
The grounds have an area of 115 acres, and the various build- 
ings afford accommodations for 2,500 children. It takes care of 
three classes: those under 14 years of age intrusted for protec- 



at Spuytcn Duyvil 

I'ordliam Heights at an elevation of 150 feet overlooking the 
Harlem River and the surrounding country. It was founded 
ly Mr. Wm. Henry Webb, a wealthy shipbuilder, whose name 
it bears, and by whom it was endowed for the purpose of afford- 
ing free relief and support to the aged, indigent, or unfortunate 
men who have been engaged in building hulls of vessels, or 
marine engines, together with the wives or widows of such ; 
also to furnish to any young man, a native or citizen of the 
United States, who may upon examination prove himself com- 
petent and of good character, a gratuitous education in the art. 
science and profession of shipbuilding and marine engine build- 
ing, both theoretical and practical, together with board, lodging 
and necessary implements and materials while obtaining such 
education. The erection of the building was commenced in 
1891, and the entire property, with the building fully completed 
and furnished, involving a cost of nearly half a million dol- 
lars, was formally presented by Mr. Webb to the trustees on 



HISTORY OF BRONXIBOROUGH 



J3^ 



May 5, 1894, together with an endowment of vahiable property 
deeded to tlie institution for its maintenance in perpetuity. The 
building and grounds occupy about fourteen acres ; its guests 
arc some 80, and boys learning the trade about 40. The fact 
tliat the demand for graduates from Webb's Academy is far 
iu excess of the supply, shows the reputation which the institu- 
tion has already acquired, and vindicates the judgment of the 
founder. 

The Roman Catholic Orphan Asylum, adjoining Webb's' 
Home and Ship-building Academy on the north, and occupying 
about thirty acres of ground, was formally opened in April, 1902, 
having previously been located in Manhattan. It takes care of 
orphans ranging in age from three to ten years, of which they 
have about 750 in their charge, and furnishes them with a school 
education under the supervision of the Board of Education. 
They have two large buildings, 350x150, with wings, and their 
location is unsurpassed, being on an eminence and overlooking 
both the Harlem and Hudson Rivers, as well as Highbridg? 
Park, the Speedway and the northern section of Manhattan. 
Some of our most promiiient and eminent men are among its 
officers and managers. 



overlapping of relief. It has a mercantile agency for informa- 
tion concerning the charitable enterprises of the city, both genu- 
ine and fraudulent, and also concerning applicants for charitabl; 
relief. Every department of its work is completeljy severed from 
all questions of religious belief, politics or nationality, and no 
person, representing the society in any capacity, is allowed to 
use the position for the purpose of proselytisin. This society 
obtains relief for those who are found to be in need, and covers 
the entire boroughs of Manhattan and the Bronx with its dis- 
trict conmiittees. 

The Peabody Home for Aged and Indigent Women at 2064 
Boston Road, corner I7gth Street, was founded and incorpo- 
rated in 1874 for the purpose its name implies, being a free and 
non-sectarian home supported by voluntary subscriptions, and 
cares for white women over 65 years of age who are residents of 
the City of New York. In igoi a new building was put up in 
modern style for its inmates, of whom there are about 35, with 
sun parlor, chapel and other conveniences. It is supported 
entirely by voluntary subscriptions. 

The Philantliropin Hospital on Olin Avenue, Williamsbridge, 
is another monument to the munificence of the kind hearted and 




Lebanon Hospit.il, Westchester Avenue 



The Hebrew Infant Asylum, located on Eagle Avenue, near 
163d Street, was opened in 1895, with accommodations for 150 
children, and has already outgrown its usefulness, since it cannot 
receive all that make application for admittance. Negotiations 
have been entered into by its managers for the acquisition of a 
large piece of property at 194th Street and Aqueduct Avenue, 
for the purpose of constructing a new asylum to accommodate 
400 inmates. The ages of the children range from one month to 
six years and they are a lively and healthy lot of youngsters. 
The asylum was originally conceived and started by Mrs. 
Esther Wallenstein, now deceased, and occupies an ol<l land- 
mark, the old De Graaf mansion. 

The Charity Organization Society also maintains a branch 
in the Bronx, taking in the territory of the Twenty-third and 
Twenty-fourth Wards, west of the Bronx River, with offices 
at 489 Courtlandt Avenue. This society is a clearing house of 
registration, information and associated action among all the 
charities of the city. It is an exchange or centre of intercom- 
munication between the churches and charitable agencies, thus 
fostering harmonious co-operation and checking the evils of the 



liberal citizenship of New York City, who saw the necessity for 
an institution in a rapidly developing section which was in urgent 
need of ready means to relieve the necessities of the poor in a 
section that was without means of proper relief. 

The Yerkes Hospital will be another of the striking illustra- 
tions of the development of the Bronx. By the will of the late 
traction magnate, Charles T. Yerkes, the pet project of himself 
and wife will find its realization in the erection of the most costly 
and elaborately appointed hospital, endowed with a sum that will 
place it beyond all fears as to its maintenance. The , possibilities 
and needs of this fast growing territory attracted the attention 
of its donors, and they have thus erected a monument that will 
keep them in remembrance long after their ashes shall have 
mingled with Mother Earth beyond all recognition. 

Another philanthropic act by which the Bronx has benefited 
is the gift of H. H. Rogers, another multi-millionaire, who has 
decided to erect a haven for the less fortunate of God's creatures, 
where the pangs of suffering will be minimized and relief extended 
without stint. It is said that in the pursuit of worldly wealth the 
better instincts of man become blunted to the pain and anguish 



J40 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



of the poorer classes. J'liis has been repudiated by the brilliant 
acts of some of the richest men and woinen, who, of their abund- 
ance have wisely placed their wealth to alleviate the sufferings of 
the less favored at the time when relief is most needed. 

The sweet spirit exhibited by Miss Helen Gould, who without 
ostentation generously uses her wealth in making life's journey 
less burdensome, flatly gives denial to the universal saying that 
the rich are devoid of feeling for those who in the battle of life 
have failed to reach the upper plane. 

The Nazareth Branch of Seton Hospital is devoted to chil- 
dren, and is quite an important adjunct of this beneficence. 

At Palisade Avenue and 261st Street, a notable addition to the 
charities of the Bronx has been recently added, viz., the Colored 
Orphans' home. The engraving gives a good representation of 
this addition to the Bronx's notable buildings, the expenditure 
for the construction of the same being about $300,000. This 
charity was formerly located in Manhattan, but the tide of popu- 
lation has forced this and kindred public institutions up into the 
Bronx, where the surroundings are calculated to make it the 
nucleus of other like benevolent objects. 

MEDICAL SOCIETIES. 
Prior to 1893 there was no medical society within the bounds 
of the Bronx Borough, excepting as previously stated. With 
the gradual increase of population and the advent of more phy- 
sicians the organization of a medical society for the discussion 
of scientific subjects and the reports of rare and interesting 
cases became necessary, and in the year above written Dr. Frank- 
lin D. Skeel called some five or six of his colleagues to his 
house for the purpose of forming a medical society, from which 



the Doctors' Club originated. At first the meetings, which were 
held once a month, were held at the various members' houses, 
imtil there were too many to be accommodated, after which 
various halls were rented for the meetings. In 1900 it was 
thought advisable to change its name to "The Medical Society 
of the Borough of the Bronx," and it was duly incorporated with 
31 charter members. Its meetings are held every second Wed- 
nesday of the month at the Metropolis Theatre Building, and its 
membership has increased to over 100 members, and it is the 
representative medical body of the borough. Its officers for the 
year 1904 are as follows : 

President — Dr. Gustave H. E. Starke. 
First Vice-President — Dr. Henry Roth. 
Second Vice-President — Dr. Wm. A. Boyd, 
Secretary — Dr. Albert C. Geyser. 
Fin.incial Secretary — Dr. I. M. Heller. 
Treasurer — Dr. E. A. Wilkens. 

Board of Trustees — Dr. Wm. J. O'Byrne, Dr. E. Broquet, 
Dr. C. G. Kirchhof, Dr. G. H. E. Starke, Dr. W. G. Eynon. 

The Bronx Medical Association was organized in December, 
1905, with fifty-one charter members, including the prominent 
physicians of the Bronx. The officers of the Association are : 

President — Dr. A. F. Brugman. 
First Vice-President— Dr. W. J. O'Byrne. 
Second Vice-President — Dr. S. D. Close. 
Recording Secretary — Dr. F. L. Donlon. 
Corresponding Secretary — Dr. J. J. Smith. 
Financial Secretary — Dr. W. A. Boyd. 
Treasurer— Dr. E. A. Wilkins. 




Nazareth Branch of Seton Hospital, Spuylen Duyvil 




GUSTAVE H. E. STARKE, M.D, 



142 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



Some of the Leading Medical Men of the Bronx 



GUSTAVE H. E. STARKE. M.D., was born in Berlin, 
Germany, in 1859, and came to this country shortly after the 
signing of the peace protocol of the Franco-German war in 
1870, but returned again to his native town in 1880, for the 
purposes of study. Though a native of Germany, he is a 
thorough American in heart and thought. Graduating from the 
Medical Department of the New York University in 1889, he 
has practiced his profession in the Bronx ever since. 

THOI\'IAS DARLINGTON, M.D.— Dr. Darlington has 
achieved fame all over the country as the Commissioner of 
Health for New York City. Dr. Lederle had done much for 
the Department before Dr. Darlington assumed office, in fact 
he was known as the most capable commissioner of the Low 
administration. It is no small distinction, therefore, that the 
leputation of this important department has been notably en- 
hauiced under the direction nf Hi-. Darlinston. Not a single 




THOMAS DARLINGTON, M.D. 

good man has been dismissed, and the appointments during the 
pa.st two years have been made almost entirely upon merit. In 
fact. Dr. Darlington has had the rare judgment to surround 
himself with capable men, who are devoted to him because of his 
simple and sterling qualities, his enthusiasm and high purpose 
to achieve the very finest results. He was appointed by Mayor 
George B. McClellan on January i, 1904, and because of his 
record, reappointed to office on January i, 1906. Dr. Darlington 
has been identified with the Bronx for a long time. His resi- 



dence has been at Kingsbridge, where he is known widely as a 
public spirited citizen. Born in Brooklyn, N. Y., in what was 
formerly called VVilliamsburgh, he was educated in the public 
schools of New York City, aiid the Newark, N. J., High School 
Later he took a special three years' scientific and engineering 
course at the University of the City of New York, followed by a 
three years' course at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of 
New York, from which institution he was graduated in 1880. He 
practiced medicine at Newark, N. J., from 1880 to 1882; then 
removed to Kingsbridge, N. Y., where he practiced until 1888. 
At that time, partly owing to ill health, and partly in the spirit 
of adventure, he went to Arizona Territory, where he had 
many interesting frontier experiences. Having completely re- 
gained his health, he returned to Kingsbridge in 1891, where he 
has practiced ever since. Among other distinctions may be men- 
tioned the following; He was District Physician in the Seventh 
District, Newark, during the year 1882; Visiting Physician at 
St. Michael's Hospital, Newark, from 1880 to 1882; Surgeon 
tt; the new Croton Aqueduct Corporation, New York, from 1885 
to 1888, and to the Harlem Canal Improvement Works during 
the year 1888; Surgeon to the Copper Queen Mining Consolidated 
and other mining companies, and to the Arizona and South- 
eastern Railway Co. from 1888 to 1891. He has for many years 
been a member of the Congress of Physicians and Surgeons 
hold annually in Washington. Dr. Darlington is connected with 
the following medical societies : The New York County and 
State Medical Association, the County and State Medical Society, 
ihe ,\merican Medical Association, the Academy of Medicine, 
the Harlem Medical Association, and the Medical Association of 
Greater New York. He is also Vice-President of the American 
Climatological Society, Visiting Physician to the New York 
Foundling H0spit.1I, the Fordham Hospital. St. John's Riverside 
Hospital, Seton Hospital for Consumptives, and consulting phy- 
sician to the French Hospital. He is a member of the Society 
of Colonial Wars, the Archdeaconry of New York City, the 
rilden Club, the New Y'ork Athletic Club, the North Side Board 
of Trade, and one of the incorporators of the Jefferson Club. 
For several years Dr. Darlington was Chairman of the Local 
School Board of Kingsbridge, succeeding Col. Goulden, the 
present Congressman. His work on the board was so keenly 
enthusiastic and so absorbing that he endeared himself to teach- 
ers and pupils alike, by his helpful co-operation and valuable ad- 
vice. He was married March 9, 1886, to Miss Josephine Alice 
Sargent. He has two children, Clinton Pelham, born March 10, 
1887, and Dorothea, born October 26, 1888. Numerous articles 
from his pen have been published in the "Medical Record,'' New 
York, including one on "Pneutnonia," and the "Effects of High 
Explosives, Dynamite and Nitro Glycerine on the Human Sys- 
tem." His article on "Tunnel Poisoning," the result of persona! 
investigations, was published in Wood's Reference Handbook of 
llie Medical Sciences. "The Climate of Arizona and the Effect 
of Hot and Dry Climates in Disease," read before the Congress 
of American Physician; and Surgeons, was issued in 1891. He 
has also written for the "Y'outh's Companion" and "Scientific 
American," and supplied editorials on hygienic matters to the 
"Mail and Express" and other newspapers. As has been stated, 
Dr. Darlington's predecessor made a notable success in his 
administration of the Department of Health. Dr. Darlington, in 
a large ininded way, accepted all the wise methods wliich Iiis 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



(43 



predecessor had initiated, and with unflagging zeal nutiatcd new 
iiKlhcxls and large constructive enterprises which tended to per- 
fect the equipment of the Department, and to minister to the 
heiihh and comfort of the people of New York City. The plants 
at Riverside, North Brother Island, Kingston Avenue, Brook- 
lyn, and Willard Parker, Manhattan, were rendered more effi- 
cient by extensive repairs on old buildings, and the erection of 
several new pavilions and administrative buildings. Another 
miportant structure begun and completed during Dr. Darling- 
ton's administration is the new Chemical and Bacteriological 
Laboratory, which is elaborately and beautifully equipped for 
the purpose. The preparatory work has already been started 
for the new Borough office in Brooklyn, which will cost about 
$250,000. Still another beautiful building which does credit 
to the present Commissioner is the Nurses' Home at Kingston 
Avenue, Brooklyn. The Department of Health of New York 
City has always led the world in its work for the prevention and 
cure of tuberculosis. Following the tradition of the office, Dr. 
Darlington has been particularly active in the care of this dread 
disease. On March l, 1904, the Tuberculosis Clinic was opened 
at 967 Sixth Avenue. This is but the beginning of a system of 
clinics to be established all over the city for the treatment and 
care of tubercular patients. In addition to the elaborate im- 
provements in the building and facilities for tuberculosis pa- 
tients at Riverside, a beautiful tract of land has been purchased at 
Otisville, Orange Co., N. Y., for incipient cases. This land is 
admirably adapted for the purpose of a sanatorium, lying as it 
docs 1,000 to 1.400 feet above sea level. It represents success 
after many failures, success after continued opposition on the 
part of local boards, railways, local newspapers, against the 
establishment of a tuberculosis sanatorium. To Dr. Darlington 
alone is due the credit of achieving this splendid success, for 
it required on his part the most patient and persistent eiiforts. 
Upon this site the Commissioner proposes to construct a sana- 
torium which will be a model of its kind throughout the world. 
Two Commissions have been appointed during Dr. Darlington's 
administration, which serve to indicate the interest he takes in 
advanced medical science, namely, the Commission to investigate 
Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis, and the Commission to investigate 
Acute Respiratory Diseases. Tliese commissions were composed 
of the most eminent physicians and bacteriologists in the city. 
The report of the Commissioner to Mayor McClellan on the 
filtration of the city's water supply is another illustration show- 
ing the large grasp that he has on the city's most important 
needs. The care with which the vast milk supplies of the 
Greater City is guarded, the energy which is employed to stamp 
out every incipient outbreak of typhoid, the zeal with which tlie 
Commissioner has undertaken to make New York the most 
sanitary city in the country, the magnificent work done under his 
direction by the corps of medical inspectors in the schools, in 
preventing the spread of contagious disease and in removing and 
correcting the physical defects of school children, indicate the 
immense field of effort of this tireless worker for the city's good 

EMIL llEUEL, M.D., who is of German parentage, the 
.son of Dr. Franz and Mrs. Adelheid Heuel, was born in New 
York City in the early sixties. He has one brother. Dr. Frank 
Heuel, and two sisters, Mr.q. Theodore (Elizabeth) Schumacher 
and Miss Adelet Heuel. Dr. Emil Heuel was educated in the 
public schools and the College of the City of New York, in the 
New York College of Pharmacy and the University of the City 
of New \ork, Medical Department. He received the 'Valentine 
Mott medal, class of 1882, and was graduated on March I2, 1883. 
His American post-graduate medical education was received in 
the clinics of the medical departments pf the University of the 



City of New York, Bellevue Hospital, Charity Hospital, the New 
York Lying-in Hospital, the New York Orthopaedic Hospital 
and Dispensary, the Manhattan Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hos- 
pital and St. Joseph's Hospital. His foreign post-graduate medi- 
cal education was received in the hospitals of Moabit, La Charite 
and St. Augusta's Spital, at Berlin, and in tlie hospitals of Lon- 
don and Paris. By profession he is a physician and surgeon, 
his specialty being the treatment of diseases of the ear, nose, 
throat and lungs. He was assistant to the surgical and ortho- 
paedic lectures and clinics, and assistant surgeon to the Ortho- 
paedic Dispensary and Surgical Clinic, New York University 
Medical College, assistant attending surgeon to the New York 
Orthopaedic llospital and Dispensary, district visiting physician 
New York Lying-in Hospital, ambulance surgeon Bellevue Hos- 
pital, assistant attending surgeon to the Throat Department Man- 
hattan Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, and visiting surgeon 
to St. Joseph's Hospital from 1889 to 1904. He is a fellow of the 
American Medical Association ; of the American Electro-therapeu- 
tic Association ; of the New York Academy of Medicine, and of 
the American Academv of Sciences. He is a member of the New 




EMlL HEUEL, M.D. 
CoiiyrlKlited, IM! 

York State Medical Association, Medical Society of the State of 
New York, of the New York County Medical .-Association, of the 
New York County Medical Society, of the Harlem Medical Asso- 
ciation, of the Society of Medical Jurisprudence, of the New 
York Physicians' Mutual Aid Association, of the Medical Society 
of the Greater City of New York, of the Medico-Surgical Society, 
of the Medical Association of the Borough of the Bronx, and 
of the Otological, Rhinological and Laryngological Sections of 
the New York Academy of Medicine. He was secretary of the 
Aledical Society of the Borough of the Bronx, secretary and mem- 
ber of the Executive Council, vice-president and president of the 
American Electro-therapeutic Association, honorary medical dele 
gate for the Government of Honduras to the International Con- 
gress of Hygiene, Washington, D. C., honorary medical member 
of the International Association for the Suppression of 'Wars, 
and honorary member of the International Congress of Physio- 
therapy. He is a member of the New York Athletic Club, the 
New York Yacht Club and the Nassau Boat Club, of which 
club he is also a trustee. He was late chairman of the commit- 
tee on fire, health and police protection of the North Side Board 
of Trade, late member of the New York Turn 'Verein, and of the 





HENRY RUHL. M.D. 



CARL WURM, M.D. 





W. A. RANDEL, M.D 



ISRAEL CONE JONES, M.D. 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



145 



Arion Society of New York. He received the decoration of the 
Order of the Bust of Bolivar from the Government of Venezuela. 
He is a life member of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite 
Bodies; of the Lodge of Perfection, N. Y. A. A. S. R. ; of the 
Council of Princess, N. Y. A. A. S. R. ; of Chapter of Rose Croix. 
N. Y. A. A. S. R.; of Consistory of N. \. A. A. S. R. ; of the 
Mecca Temple (Shrine,) A. A. O. N. M. S. ; Thirty-second Dc; 
gree Mason, of Chancellor Walworth Lodge, No. 271, F. and A. 
M. ; of Ivy Lodge, No. 167, K. of P., and of the United Lodge, 
-No. I ; American Association of Masters and Pilots of Steam 
Vessels. He is a member of the Thomas Hunter Association of 
Grammar School No. 35 and of the Alumni Association of the 
University of the City of New York. He is an electrical expert 
and a licensed master and pilot of steam vessels of the United 
States. He has never held any political office. He is interested 
in out-door sports, athletics and yachting. He was married Sep- 
tember 29, 1887, to Miss Josephine Elizabeth Stein, daughter of 
Mr. Conrad Stein. He has one child, a daughter, Miss Elizabeth 
Jo.sephine Heuel. 

HENRY RUHL, M.D.— One of the most esteemed and 
popular physicians in the Bronx, was born in Germany Decem- 
ber 3, 1847. He received his general education in Germany, but 
on his arrival in the United States, he entered Bellevue College 
and graduated from there in 1873. Entering actively into gen- 
eral practice, Dr. Ruhl through his thorough knowledge of 
■■^L^teria Medica" and his successful adaptation to the diagnosis 
of remarkable cases that came from time to time before his 
observation, soon brought him into prominence not only amongst 
the medical profession, but more particularly among the older 
residents of the Bronx ; his success in his practice became phe- 
nomenal, and it is more than possible that his clientage among 
the older residents succeeds to a great extent more than that 
of any other of the older physicians in the community. Dr. 
Ruhl married in 1878, Miss Annie Lauer, a young lady of high 
social standing and of an old Bronx family. A staunch Demo- 
crat in politics, he never held any public office, outside of his 
profession. He has served as the visiting physician to Fordhara 
Hospital, a member of the Local School Board in the Bronx, 
a member of the New York Medical Society, and the United 
States Medical Society. Two sons and three daughters, all 
living, contribute largely to the domestic comforts of Dr. and 
Mrs. Ruhl, whose children are accomplished in all the rudi- 
ments of music and the classics. Dr. Ruhl, while somewhat 
advanced in years, takes a deep interest in the development and 
advancement of all public improvements in the Bronx, and does 
not hesitate to do building on his own account at numerous 
points where he is the owner of improved properties. 

CARL WURM, M.D., at the age of 12 years came to the 
United States from Mengeunghausen, Germany, where he was 
born November 8, 1862. After receiving a course of private 
teaching he entered the New York College of Pharmacy, and 
received his diploma in 1881. A drug clerk for a couple of 
years, he opened a drug store, and in the meantime found time 
to take a regular course of medicine at Bellevue College, where 
after close application to his studies, he graduated in 1891, came 
to the Bronx, and entered into general practice. A Democrat in 
politics, he has never held or sought public office, but is a mem- 
ber of the New York State Medical Society, the American Na- 
tional Medical Society, and the Schnorer Club. On May 25, 1887, 
he married Lenora Lauer, of the Bronx. Two children are the 
result of this union, Lenora, 14 years of age, and Jarl, Jr., 11. 
Dr. Wurm has advanced rapidly in his profession, and not only 



commands a large practice, but is very highly regarded by the 
medical profession, as one of the most promising and successful 
physicians in the Bronx. 

EDMUND E. SPECHT, M.D., of 1277 Washington Ave- 
nue, is a member of the Bronx Medical Society, the American 
Medical Association, the New York Coimtv M^d^ral Society, 
was attached to the French Hospital in Manhattan and for 
the past fourteen years with (he Harlem Eye and Ear Hospital. 




EDMUND E. SPECHT, M.D. 

r.orn in New York City on October 23, 1863, and in 1896 mar- 
ried Miss Georgina, daughter of the late Dr. A. D. Elmer, and 
granddaughter of Dr. William Elmer. Two children are th:- re- 
sult of this union, viz., Edmund Elmer and Agatha Georgia. 

WILLL^M A. RANDEL, M.D.. was born at Troy, New 
York, on the 17th of October, 1876. At an early age he went with 
his parents to Elizabeth, New Jersey, where he resided until 1898, 
when he made his home in the Borough of the Bronx. He is 
a graduate of the University and Bellevue Hospital Medical 
College of the Class of 1899, and has been practicing medicine in 
this Borough since that date. He is a member of the Medical 
Society uf the Borough of the Bronx; the New York 
County Medical Society; the Medical Association of the 
Greater City of New York and the New York Phy- 
sicians' Mutual Aid Association. Dr. Randel is instructor 
of diseases of the ear at the New York Post Graduate 
Medical School, and is attending physician at the Bronx Eye 
and Ear Infirmary, Nose, Throat and Ear Departments. On 
June 15, 1904, he was married to Miss Minnie Catherine Bohne, 
a young lady well-known in the Bronx, having lived with her 
parents on 138th street for a number of years. Doctor and Mrs. 
Randel are members of the Alexander Avenue Baptist Church, 
and are much interested in the religious as well as the general 
welfare of the Bronx. 

ISRAEL CONE JONES, M.D., an eminent physician in 
the Borough of the Bronx, was born at Colchester, Conn., July 
19, 1851, and has been a resident of the Bronx since 1875. He 
is a graduate of the Melrose Public School, Chickering Academy 
and the Miami Medical College of Cincinnati, Ohio. Dr. 





NATHAN BRISTOL VAN ETTEN. M.D. 



GEORGE H.MCGUIRE, M.D. 





SOLOMON CARRINGTON MINOR, M.D. 



JOHN PARSONS, M.D, 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



147 



Jones is considered and known as one of the most advanced 
and distinguished practitioners in the great borough; his prac- 
tice is large and lucrative, and his success in the treatment of 
stubborn cases has advanced his position and standing as a phy- 
sician of the highest order. On June 13, 1877, he married Miss 
Henrietta Jones and has three talented sons, Arthur Cone Jones, 
Ralph Mason Jones and Harry Brush Jones ; he is a Republican 
in politics and is a member of the New York Academy of 
Medicine, Medical Society of the County of New York, Empire 
State Society and Sons of the American Revolution. 

WILLIAM AINSLIE GOODALL, eininent physician and 
surgeon of the Bronx for the past seventeen years, was born 
at Gall, Canada, Province of Ontario, in 1862. He graduated 
at the University of Toronto and Victoria, the College of Phy- 
sicians and Surgeons of Ontario, Kings and Queens College of 
Physicians, Dublin, in 1883. He is a member of the Medical 
Council of New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, New Zea- 
land, South Australia, Cape Colony and Natal, South Africa, 
lie married May 11, 1902, Miss Elizabeth Anderson, of this city. 
Dr. Goodall enjoys the distinction of being one of the most 
successful practitioners north of the Harlem River. His ser- 
vices are called into the most serious and intricate cases and in 




WILLIAM AINSLIE GOODALL, M.D. 
1 

consultations with his fellow physicians his judgment and de- 
cisions are received with the highest consideration. He has 
extraordinary energy and great perceptive faculties, combined 
with the knowledge of his profession, not only as a physician, 
but in surgery has brought his valuable services into such favor 
that his large list of patients among the residents of the Bronx 
and its environs pays the highest tribute to his genius as one 
of our foremost physicians. Dr. Goodall is a member of the 
Masonic Order, the Schnorer, West Morrisania and Canadian 
Clubs, the Royal Arcanum, Loyal Benefit Association, County 
Medical, the County Medical Association and the Medico-Surgical 
Society and North Side Board of Trade. 

GEORGE H. McGUlRE. M.D., a prominent and ^uccess- 
ful physician and a native of the Borough of the Bronx, was 
l:urn in Mnit Haven, August 11, 1862, and graduated from PuIj- 
lic School No. 60 in 1876, and the same year was admitted to the 



College of the City of New York, where he also graduated, and 
m 1883 received the degree of Doctor of Medicine from the 
Medical Department of the LTniversity of the City of New York. 
Born in the Bronx, and having acquired a thorough medical 
education and fortified with his thorough knowledge of "Materia 
Medica," he returned from his successful studies to his home in 
the Bronx and entered upon the practice of his profession, where 
he immediately met with great success. His advancement was 
rapid, and his position as one of the most prominent physicians 
of the Borough of the Bronx is so well established that his fel- 
low disciples of Esculapius regard him as a grand factor in 
their honorable profession. In politics Dr. McGuire is a Demo- 
crat, and in 1902 was appointed a member of the Twenty-third 
Local School District, and served as chairman of the board dur- 
ing the year of 1904. On July 14, 1903, he was married to Miss 
Florence P. O'Sullivan, a lady of culture and refinement, and 
has one son, George H. McGuire, Jr. He is a member of the 
Roman Catholic Church and attends the Church of the Immacu- 
late Conception, 150th Street and Melrose Avenue. 

WILHELM WEINBERGER, M.D., one of the prominent 
physicians of the Bronx, was bom in Vienna, Austria, in 1869. 
He was educated at the Commercial, Real and Obergymnasium 
of Vienna, graduating with honors in the class of 1888. Serving 
his allotted time in the .Austrian Infantry, he attained his degree 
of M.D. frnm the University of Vienna in 1894. and was pro- 




WILHELM WEINBERGFR. M.D. 

moted to assistant surgeon, being assigned to the Garrison Hos- 
pital at Fort Komorni, Hungary. The following two years were 
devoted to professional work in the hospitals of Vienna, Berlin 
and London. To attain a more extended field for the exercise of 
his profession, he came to New York in January, 1896, and located 
in the Bronx at 252 Willis Avenue, where he has been practicing 




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C. E. BARTON. M.D. 



D. J. QUIRK, M.D, 





CHARLES GEORGE KIRCHHOF. M.D, 



APOLPH VON PUERING. M D, 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



149 



medicine ever since. His standing in the great Borough of the 
Bronx among his professional colleagues and the leading citi- 
zens, among the latter of whom he has a very large clientage, is 
of the highest character, as a learned and thorough "disciple of 
Aesculapius." Dr. Weinberger married Miss Helen Steinam, 
whose family connections on the West Side of New York City are 
very prominent. Dr. Weinberger has the degree of M. Sc. of the 
New York University, was physician to the out-door department 
of the Mount Sinai Hospital, admitting physician of the Monte- 
fiore Hospital, is a member of the German Medical and Bronx 
Medical Societies, the Royal Arcanum, and a large number of 
prominent social clubs of the Bronx. 

DR. NATHAN BRISTOL VAN ETTEN, physician and 
surgeon, of 600 Tremont Avenue, the Bronx, was born at 
Waverly, N. Y., June 22, 1866. His education was obtained in 
the Port Jervis schools, at Cornell, and in the Bellevue Hospi- 
tal Medical College. Whatever advantages these schools could 
give in the profession he has had. He has been a resident of 
the Bronx fourteen years and is regarded by the public and 
his brethren of the profession as a highly successful practitioner. 
He lives in a style confirming the general opinion of his pros- 
perity. He married, May 17, 1893, Miss Josephine Swinton and 
has two children, both daughters. He is a Kappa Alpha man, a 
Phi Alpha Sigma member and a communicant of the Dutch Re- 
formed Church at Fordham. In politics his faith is Republican. 
He belongs to three organizations of the profession, the Ameri- 
can Medical Society, the New York State Medical Society and 
the Bronx Borough Medical Society. 

JOHN PARSONS, M.D., of Kingsbridge, New York City, 
is a son of Hiram Addison Parsons, of Kings Borough, New 
York, and Lucy Elizabeth (Brown) Parsons, of Bloomfield, 
Conn. He is ninth in descent from Sir Thoinas Parsons, of 
Great Milton, Oxfordshire, England, and seventh from Deacon 
Benjamin Parsons, one of the first settlers of Springfield, Mass. 
On the maternal side he is descended from Peter Brown, one 
of the Mayflower Pilgrims in 1620. He was born at Kings 
Borough, N. Y., April 12, 1842, and in boyhood attended the local 
schools, both public and private, and also the Kings Borough 
Academy. He also pursued a course at the Gloversville (N. Y.) 
Seminary. He began the study of medicine under Dr. G. J. 
Newton, at Gloversville, N. Y., and continued it under Dr. J. 
H. Schorn, at West Galway, N. Y., and at the Albany (N. Y.) 
Medical College. He was graduted from the College of Phy- 
sicians and Surgeons at Keokuk, Iowa, on February 10, 1864, 
from the Chicago Medical College, with the honorary degree, on 
March 4, 1868, and from the Bellevue Hospital Medical College 
Ulow a part of New York University) on March i, 1875, receiv- 
ing from the last named the degree of Doctor of Medicine. 
From the Albany Medical College Dr. Parsons entered the 
United States Army as a medical cadet. He was under General 
Grant at the siege and surrender of Vicksburg, and also served 
in the Southwest, in the Northwest, and in Eastern Tennessee. 
After the war he practiced medicine for six years in Kansas 
and was there Vice-President and President of the Kansas State 
Medical Society and a representative in the Legislature. In 1871 
he established himself in his present home at Kingsbridge, New 
York City, where he has been Justice of the Peace and for 
many years a vestryman of the Church of the Mediator. Dur- 
ing the war he held the rank of Medical Cadet, U. S. A., Acting 
Assistant Surgeon, U. S. A., and Assistant Surgeon, United 
States Volunteers. He was made a Brevet Captain of United 
States Volunteers "for faithful and meritorious services." He 
was for a time executive officer of the McDougall General Hospi- 



tal, at Fort Schuyler, N. Y., and chief medical officer on Hart's 
Island, N. Y. He was Vice-President and President of the 
Kansas State Medical Society, and ha« been Secretary, Vice- 
President and President of the Yonkers Medical Association. 
He is an honorary member of the Jenkins Medical Society, a 
Fellow of the Academy of Medicine and original Fellow of the 
New York State Medical Association, and a member of the 
American Medical Association, the New York County Medical 
Association, the Westchester Medical Association, the Public 
Health Association, the Physicians' Mutual Aid Association, and 
other organizations. He is Medical Director of the Grand 
Army of the Republic in the State of New York, Director of the 
Knights of Honor, a Regent in the Royal Arcanum, and a mem- 
ber of the Knickerbocker Athletic Club and the Army and Navy 
Club. His address is No. 2882 Bailey Avenue, Kingsbridge, New 
York City. 

SOLOMON CARRINGTON MINOR, M.D., a resident of 
the Bron.x from November 15, 1893, to the present, a prominent 
physician of the borough, was born in Waterbury, Conn., 
June 4, 1850. He attended the Waterbury High School in his 
youth, and graduated from it in July, 1864. Later he took a 
course at Williston Academy, Vt., for a year. He also attended 
Parker Academy, Woodbury, Conn., and Phillips Academy, 
Andover, Mass., from which he graduated June, 1868. He took 
the classical course at Yale from 1868 to 1870, withdrawing in 
the latter year because of illness and taking up his studies there 
again from 1871 to 1873. From Yale he graduated with the B. 
A. degree and then taught school. After fifteen years in that 
vocation he entered the medical department of New Y'ork Uni- 
versity and graduated a M.D. in 1892. He served then a full 
term as interne at Bellevue Hospital on the surgical side. From 
1873 to 1889, when he was engaged as a school teacher, he was 
principal of the High School Naugatuck, Conn., in 1873-74; prin- 
cipal of the Union City School, Naugatuck, 1874-76, and principal 
of Greenville School, Norwich, Conn., 1877-89. He is a mem- 
ber of the following organizations : The American Medical As- 
sociation, the New Y'ork State and County Medical Association, 
the New York County Medical Society, the Medical Association 
of Greater New York, the Harlem Medical Association, the 
Society of Alumni of Bellevue Hospital, the East Side Medical 
Association, the New York Physicians' Mutual Aid Association, 
and the Medical Society of the Borough of the Bronx, of which 
he was one of the early presidents and the incorporation of which 
was arranged during his incumbency. He is one of the medical 
examiners for the Prudential Insurance Company of Newark, 
N. J. In religion he is a member of the Catholic Apostolic 
Church in West Fifty-seventh Street, Manhattan. Dr. Minor 
married, June 30, 1877, one of his associate teachers of Nauga- 
tuck, Conn. They have had three children, but two are dead. 
One daughter, Mabel Theodora, survives. 

DENNIS JOSEPH QUIRK, M.D., a resident of our bor- 
ough since the year 1893, was born in Galway, Ireland, in the 
year 1848. He arrived in Manhattan with his parents in the 
year 1850 and is proud of an adopted American citizenship be- 
ginning at two years of age. He is a graduate of Public School 
No. 19, Peter Cooper night school (chemistry and physics) and 
he qualified as a licentiate in pharmacy in the year 1871. He 
continued in the profession of pharmacy till he graduated from 
the medical department of the University City of New York in 
the year 1879. During his career as a pharmacist he was the 
proprietor of two pharmacies, one in the Seventeenth Ward, the 
other in the Eighteenth Ward, Manhattan. The doctor is a 
careful diagnostician, painstaking and sympathetic with his 





THOMAS HAYES CURTIN. M.D. 



GERALD SHIEL. M.D. 



ipi 


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Ilk ^te^- %:^l^^^^^l 




ARTHUR J. O LEARY, M.D. 



WILLIAM L. KANTOR, M.D. 



HISTORY OF 'BRONX BOROUGH 



J5I 



patients and gave special attention to diseases of women and 
children. Since his residence in the Bronx he has qualified 
as an "Examiner in Lunacy," and is making a special study of 
diseases of the mind and nervous system. He is a member of 
United Council, Manhattan, and is the medical officer of the 
members residing in the Bronx. Although the doctor has never 
held political office, he has taken an enthusiastic interest in the 
civic matters of our borough, noteworthy and which are of 
record is the "Lorelei," the "Terrace Way" (165th Street) and 
in the matter of Roundsman Hass, of Tremont station, who re- 
ceived a medal and certificate of honorable mention for bravery. 
Personally and socially, affectation cuts no figure with the doctor. 
He is democratic and natural in his manner, a good conversa- 
tionalist, versatile and is well read in English and German 
literature ; a lover of the game of chess and in temperament 
optimistic, always looking at the cheerful side of life; alert, 
witty and pleasantly sympathetic and possesses a large fund of 
metropolitan reminiscences which he takes great pleasure in 
relating. His home life is complete in the consortship of his 
wife, Mary L Byrne, of Manhattan, whom he married in the 
year 1883, and who bore him one son, Albert (deceased) and 
who possesses the responsively sympathetic and generous nature 
of her forbears, and who is the worthy chatelaine of his home 
and office life. The doctor resides in Boston Road, near 165th 
Street. 

HENRY ROTH, M.D., assistant attending surgeon of 
Lebanon Hospital, Borough of the Bronx, was born February 
[2, 1872, at Szomolnok, Hungary, and was educated at the pub- 
lic schools and gymnasiums, or College of Rozsny's, Hungary, 
.^fter coming to the United States, ■ he entered the medical 
department of the New York University in 1890, and in 1893 
graduated therefrpm with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. 




HENRY^ROTH, M.D. 

This latter year, after leaving the university, he was made the 
resident physician of Lebanon Hospital and served as such for 
two years. He has been in private practice ever since. Since 
i8g8 he has been assistant attending surgeon of Lebanon Hos- 
pital, Borough of the Bronx, and enjoys the confidence and re- 
spect of the management of that institution as a surgeon and 



physician of ability. In private practice he is esteemed highly 
for his superior medical knowledge, his gentlemanly courtesy, 
his sympathetic feelings, and words of encouragement for the 
sufferer. Dr. Roth has lived in the Bronx since 1888, and on 
October 28th, 1902, married Miss Rebecca Low ; he has one 
child, Lester Roth. Dr. Roth is a member of the American 
Medical Association, New York State Medical Association, New 
York County Medical Association, New York County Medical 
Society, New York Medico-Surgical Society, Medical So- 
ciety of the Borough of the Bronx, Harlem Medical Society, 
Society of Alumna of Lebanon Hospital, and in 1903 was elected 
first vice-president of the Medical Society, Borough of the 
Bronx. 

JOHN E. COMFORT, M.D., was lor over thirty years one 
of the most prominent physicians and best known citizens in the 
Borough of the Bronx, where he settled in 1868, at once identi- 




JOHN E. COMFORT, M.D. 

tying himself with all its interests and becoming a most useful 
factor in its growth. He was born on October 6th, 1837, in St. 
Louis, Missouri, graduating in 1864 from the Albany Medical 
College, and on January 19th, 1865, he joined the United States 
Army as assistant surgeon of the Si.xtieth New York State 
Volunteers, serving under General Sherman, and was honorably 
discharged at President Lincoln's well known "muster out" in 
July, 1865. Three years later he came to reside in Franklin 
Avenue, where soon afterwards he built the house where his 
family still live and which at that time was within the limits of 
Westchester County. In 1875 he received the appointment of 
sanitary inspector of the New York Board of Health, being rated 
as one of the best officers the board ever possessed. At the 
expiration of twelve years he resigned this position to devote 






WILLIAM J. AUSTIN. 'CHIEF CLERK IN BRONX CORONERS' OFFICE. 





ALBERT F. 3CHWANNECKE. PH.C , CORONER. 



ROBERT FRANCIS MC DONALD, M.D., CORONER. 



MlSTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



t53 



himself exclusively to his practice, then one of the largest in the 
whole vicinity. While he numbered among his patients many of 
the oldest and wealthiest families in the Bronx, he always found 
time for the innumerable charities and kindnesses which will 
long be remembered by the poor. For many years he served as 
senior warden in St. Paul's Protestant Church in Washington 
Avenue, where he was a systematic and efficient worker, and 
during the whole of his life in the Bronx he was known as the 
skillful physician and the consistent Christian. His death, which 
occurred on May 29th, 1901, has left a void which never can be 
entirely filled. 

CHARLES EDWARD BARTON, M.D., a very successful 
physician, who has been doing active practice in the Borough 
of the Bronx since 1890, was born in the Town of Union Vale, 
Dutchess County, N. Y., and graduated from the Poughkeepsie 
(N. Y.) High School in 1873, and finally from the New York 
University Medical College with the class of 1890. Dr. Barton 
has won innumerable victories over complicated diseases among 
his patients, and is widely known as one of the most distin- 
guished practitioners in the Bronx. He is practical and method- 
ical in all of his undertakings, and his success reflects great 
credit upon the honorable profession he so ably represents. On 
July 2, 1877, he was married to Miss Kate E. Caldwell, and the 
union has been blessed with si.x children, viz. : Jessie L. Barton, 
Julia S., Charles F., and Howard A. Barton, all living ; two 
died in infancy, Julia M. and Mabel Barton. Dr. Barton and 
his family are members of the North New York Congregational 
Church ; he is a member of Adelphic Lodge, 148, K. of P., and 
the Bronx Medical Society. 

ADOLPH VON DUERING, M.D., is one of the leadhig 
physicians of the Bronx. He enjoys a large and lucrative prac- 
tice and personally has a wide circle of acquaintances, particularly 
among that numerous and influential German element of the popu- 
lation of the borough to which, by birth, he belongs. Dr. Von 
Duering hails originally from Hamburg. He was bom there 
March 28, 1852. He came to this country, however, quite young 
and prepared himself for his profession in the university and 
hospitals of the City of New York. The Bronx has been his 
residence place now nearly 20 years. Politically he affiliates with 
the Republican party, but the claims of his profession prevent 
him from taking in politics any very active part. He is a mar- 
ried man, but has no child. His home and office are at 552 East 
iSSth street. 

CHARLES GEORGE KIRCHHOF. M.D., son of Peter 
and Mary Elizabeth Kirchhof, was born March 22, 1861, at 
Seventh Avenue and Nineteenth Street, New York, and has 
lived in the borough since 1865. He attended the public schools 
in his youth, and later the College of the City of New York; also 
the Bellevue Hospital Medical College, from which he received 
his degree in medicine, March 13, 1884. It is twenty-one years 
since then and he has practiced steadily since. For eight years 
of that time he was attending physician at the Dispensary for 
Outdoor Poor of the Twenty-third and Twenty-fourth Wards, 
under the Board of Charities and Correction, and for the past 
six years Has been food inspector in the Department of Health. 
The doctor is a member of numerous organizations, professional 
particularly. He belongs to the American Medical Association, 
a national body; to the New York State and County Medical 
Societies, to the New York Pliysicians' Mutual Aid Association 
and the Medical Society of the Borough of the Bronx, of which 
he is an ex-president. He is also a member of the General 



Alumni Association, New York University, of Willard Lodge, 
714, F. and A. M., and August Freutel Stiftung, Aurora En- 
campment, No. 53, Knights of St. J. and M., the K. O. S. B. C, 
.-Aurora Liederkranz, the Bronx Club, Tammany Hall General 
Committee, the Wampanoag Democratic Club, Allegheny Demo- 
cratic Club and member Executive Committee United General 
Democracy. Dr. Kirchhof has been married twice. His first 
wife, whom he married September 21, 1885, was Louise Stark 
(died May 23, 1894), of the Bronx. By her he had three chil- 
dren, Charles George, Jr., and Louise, who are living, and 
Philip William deceased. His second marriage was to Celia Sim- 
mons, of Jersey City, November 27, 1898. 

GERALD SHEIL, M.D., was born in the Town of Mor- 
risania, now known as part of the Borough of the Bronx, on 
April 6, 1873. He studied in St. Jerome's School and also in 
Public School No. 83, from both of which he graduated in 1887 
and 1888 respectively, finishing his classical course at St. Francis 
Xavier's College. In 1891-94 he was a student in the Bellevue 
Hospital Medical College, now a part of the New York Uni- 
versity, and graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine 
in 1894. The next two years were spent as house surgeon 
in Fordham Hospital and in 1896 he began private practice in 
the Borough of the Bronx, in which he has since continued. He 
was a visiting surgeon in the out-door department of the Harlem 
Hospital in 1897-98 and in St. Joseph's Hospital in 1898-1900. 
In January, 1904, he was appointed assistant sanitary superin- 
tendent of the Health Department in full charge of the sanitary 
conditions and health regulations for the Borough of the Bronx, 
which office he still holds. He is a member of the New York 
County and State Medical Associations, the North Side Board 
of Trade, the Throgg's Neck Country Club, the Borough Club. 
Brownson Catholic Club, Knights of Columbus, Foresters of 
.America, Mott Haven Athletic Club, Tammany Hall General 
Committee 34th District, Wampanoag Democratic Club, Eugene 
J. McGuire Association. In politics he is a Democrat. He 
is unmarried. His address is 348 Willis Avenue. 

THOMAS HAYES CURTIN, M.D., a leading physician 
and surgeon of the Bronx, resident at 1187 Boston Road, with 
offices at 787 Tremont Avenue, was born in County Carlow, Ire- 
land, but was brought to this country when six years of age. 
He is 30 now, but has had a world of experience professionally. 
He has been coroners' physician since 1899 and is visiting phy- 
sician to St Joseph's Hospital at present. He is the author of 
many papers on medical subjects, two of which, at least, have 
greatly interested the profession, viz. : "Gunshot Wounds" and 
"Medical Aspect of the Slocum Disaster." Dr. Curtin attended 
Public School 49 in his boyhood, passed through its various 
grades and then attended the College of the City of New York. 
He is a graduate of Bellevue Hospital Medical College, is a 
member of Bronx Lodge of Elks, the "Friends of Erin," and thr 
Bunker Hill Club. Professionally he is affiliated with the State 
Medical Association, the County Medical Association, the Bronx 
Medical Society, the Celtic Medical Society and tlie Alumni of 
St. Vincent's Hospital. He married, June 18, 1902, Miss Lornia 
A. Morahan. They have one child, Thos. H., Jr. 

ALBERT F. SCHWANNECKE.— This gentleman, for 
thirty-eight years a resident of the city, living for twenty-five 
years at 781 Jackson avenue, Bronx, was one of the successful 
candidates for office at the recent municipal election. He was 
elected coroner on the Republican and Municipal Ownership 
ticket and is accounted by those who know him, and their names 





WILLIAM T. KLIME. M.D. 



HENRY WOLLNER, M.D. 








1 


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IT' fl 






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i 




i 




1 




Imm 


1 



MAURICE J. SILVERMAN, M.D. 



FRANK M. VAN ORDEN, M.D. 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



J55 



are legion, a very proper man for the place. Mr. Schwannecke 
is by profession a pharmacist. He has been engaged also as 
Bronx snperintendeiit and manager of the American Surety 
Company of New York. In politics he has been an independent 
Republican. His religious affiliations are with the Episcopal 
Church. He was born in Brunswick, Germany, in 1859, but was 
brought up and educated in New York City in the public schools 
and f>echner's German-American Institute and Pharmacy. He is 
a club man and has scores of friends among all parties. He be- 
longs to the Schnorer Club, the Bronx Club, the Union Republi- 
can Club, the New York Athletic Club, the "Huckelberry In- 
dians" and fhe Red Bank Yacht Club. This is his first public 
office and it came to him practically unsought. Mr. Schwan- 
necke is a man of family, a taxpayer and property owner. He 
married in 1880, twenty-five years ago, Miss Dora A. Recker. 
Their union has been an uncommonly happy one. They have 
five children, three daughters and two sons, by name Antonia. 
Frederick A., Georgia, Henrietta and Clarence. Theirs is an 
old-fashioned family and their home an ideal old-time home. 

ROBERT FRANCIS McDONALD, son of Joseph M. Mc- 
Donald and Catherine E. Roby, was born in New York City 
September 25, 1879. A graduate of the College of the City of 
New York, he entered the Cornell University Medical College, 
from which he graduated June, igoi, with high honors. For two 
years, January, 1902, to January, 1904, he was a member of the 
house staff of Gouverneur Hospital, which is connected with 
the Bellevue and allied system, and which cares for the sick and 
injured of the lower East Side. He is at present assistant at- 
tending surgeon to the out-patient department of Bellevue Hospi- 
tal. He is assistant examiner for the New York Life Insurance 
Company, member of the Gouverneur Hospital Alumni Society 
and of the Phi Alpha Sigma Fraternity. He is interested, as far 
as his practice will permit, with outdoor pursuits, being an 
enthusiastic golfer and tennis player, member of social athletic 
organizations and of that well known organization, the Brownson 
Caiholic Club. Dr. McDonald was a candidate for coroner in 
the Bronx in 1905 on the Republican ticket, receiving the en- 
dorsement of the Municipal Ownership League, and was elected 
by a plurality of about 7,000 votes. 

ARTHUR J. O'LEARY, M.D., was born in the Borough 
of Manhattan on the 23d of November, i858. He was educated 
ai Manhattan College, On-the-Hudson, graduating in 1886. He 
entered the Medical School of the University of New York in 
the same year and graduated in 1889. In 1890 the degree of 
Master of Arts was conferred upon him by the faculty of Man- 
hattan College. He was an interne of the Harlem Hospital for 
one year, and in 1890 opened an office at 1262 Boston Road in 
the Bronx, and started his practice. In January, 1898, he was 
appointed by Nathan Strauss, then President of the Board of 
Health, as Assistant Register of Records in the Health Depart- 
ment. He is the attending physician of Manhattan College and 
the Corpus Christi Monastery at Hunt's Point. Dr. O'Leary's 
political inclinations are Democratic, and he is a very popular 
member of the Schnorer Club, the Brownson Catholic Club and 
the Knights of Columbus, of which fraternity he is the examin- 
ing pliysician. He married Miss Anna E. O'Rorke, October 
28, 1891, and is the father of three .-hildren; Anna, Arthur and 
Isabel. Dr. O'Leary has one of the finest practices in the Bronx 
and in his personal life is one of the finest and most cordial 
of men. Together with his many duties his personal popularity 
and his extreme practice he is a man in great demand. 



EDWARD T. HIGGINS, at present, and since 1904, a 
police surgeon, lias been living in the Bronx for fifteen of his 
thirty years, ile was a student of Xavier College, of St. John's, 
Fordham. and a graduate of the Bellevue Hospital Medical Col- 
lege. He was Coroner's Physician in Manhattan from 1901 to 




EDWARD niuolNS, M.D. 

1904. He lives at 737 East I45lh Street. He is a Democrat and 
member of the VVampanoag and Borough Clubs, and an at- 
tendant at the Church of the Immaculate Conception. He married, 
November 23, 1898, Miss Etta McGuire. They have one child, 
Edward Harrington Higgins. 

WILLIAM L. KANTOR, M.D., of 746 East i42d Street, 
was born in Russia in 1866, and was educated for his profession 
partly there and partly here. He took his B. A. degree at the 
gymnasium at Tuganrog, Russia, in 1885, and that of LL.C, at 
the University of Moscow in l8go. He graduated also from the 
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University in 
1895. He has been located in the Bronx five years. He is a 
member of the Bronx Borough Medical Association, the East 
Side Medical Association, and the New York County Medical So- 
ciety; also of the Foresters and the Masonic Order. Decem- 
ber 25, 1889, he married Miss Kate Gordon. They have two 
children, both boys. The elder John Leonard, now 15, is a 
freshman of the College of the City of New York. 

DR. WILLIAM T. KLINE, physician in charge of the 
Tuberculosis Sanitarium of the Department of Health on North 
Brothers Island, was born in New York i„ity in 1874. After 
attending the public school, he attended the College of the City 
of New York, and graduated; he then entered the College of 
Physicians and Surgeons of the Medical Department of Co- 
lumbia University, and graduated in 1895, receiving the "Hoosen 
Prize Diploma" of examination honors. In 1896 he passed the 
required State examination, carrying off the honors of the 
"People's Seal" on license of regents, an honor highly prized 
by the disciples of Esculapius. He was appointed a member of 
the house staff of Fordham Hospital, and graduated therefrom 
January 1st, 1897. This latter year he commenced private prac- 
tice in the Bronx, and since then had built up a large and 





AUGUST J. FREUTEL. M.D. 



LEOPOLD F. W. HAAS, M.D. 





JULIUS L. AMSTER, M.D. 



C. LUDWIC AMBOS, M.D. 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



J57 



lucrative practice. Appointed in fall of 1897, in Department 
of Health to the office of medical inspector, and later as 
bacteriologist which he held until October, 1904, to accept his 
present responsible position, that is, physician in charge of the 
Tuberculosis Sanitarium on North Brothers Island, where he 
intends to remain until October, 1905, when he will resume 
his private practice, carrying with him the confidence of his 
brother officials of the Board of Health, and the gratitude of 
many hundreds of suffering humanity, whom he attended in 
his official capacity, and through knowledge and skill, returned 
them to health and happiness. Dr. Klein is a member of St. 
Jerome's Roman Catholic Church, the Brownson Catholic Club 
and the Greater New York Medical Society, and is unmarried. 
He maintain his office and residence at No. 712 East 138th 
Street. 

HENRY WOLLNER, M.D., the well-known and popular 
physician in charge of St. Joseph Hospital, Borough of the 
Bronx, was born June 13, 1870, at Zanesville, Ohio, and attended 
the public and high schools of his native place and entered the 
New York University, where he graduated with distinguished 
honors. He has been a resident of the Bronx since 1896, and 
has built up a large and influential practice among the leading 
families of the borough. He is highly regarded by the patients 
at St. Joseph's Hospital, where his services are highly appre- 
ciated, and commended by the medical profession in the Bronx. 
He is a member of the Medical Society, Borough of Bronx, the 
New York County Medical Society and the New York Phy- 
sicians' Medical Aid .Association. 

DR. MAURICE J. SILVERMAN, of 273 Alexander Avenue, 
in the Bronx, though a Russian by birth, born in Kiev September 
18, 1862, has been so long identified with the Bronx as to be like 
a native. He settled here, in fact, in 1884, twenty-one years ago, 
when he was a young man of 22. Here also he married and 
made his home ; here his patients live and his interests are 
centered. Dr. Silverman is a graduate of both grammar and 
high schools in Russia, and holds the diploma of New York 
University Medical College. He is a member of the New 
York State Medical Association, the Harlem Medical Associa- 
tion, the Bronx and the Eastern Medical Association, and has 
a lucrative practice. He married in 1896, Miss Sadie Samuels. 
They have one child, a daughter. 

FRANK M. VAN ORDEN, M.U., one of the most prom- 
iM'ng physicians in the Bronx for the past four years, was born 
January 18, 1870, at Spring Valley, N. Y. He was educated at 
Old Rutgers College, New Brunswick, N. J., and received the 
degree of A. B., in 1893, and was further honored with the 
degree of A. M. in 1897. The same year he became a member of 
the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York City and 
in 1899 for distinguished services rendered to the J. Hood Wright 
Memorial Hospital of this city, received a diploma. On May 
6, 1903, Dr. Van Orden married Miss Maebelle Alberta Baird, 
of Syracuse, a lady of culture and of a distinguished family. In 
politics he is democratic, and an active member of the following 
associations, fraternities and societies, viz. : Rutgers Alumnia 
Association, J. Hood Wright Hospital Alumnia, Delta Upsilon 
Fraternity, Bronx Medical Society, Medical Association of the 
Greater City of New York, the New York Physicians' Mutual 
Aid Association and an active and distinguished member of 
Harlem Lodge, No. 457, F. and A. M. With all the classic 
honors conferred upon this promising disciple of Esculapius, in 
his own personality he is of the manor born and gives promise 
to become famous in his laudable profession. 



DR. BERNARD WILLIAM JUNGE, prominent in his pro- 
fession as a physician in the Bronx since April, 1891, was born 
at Barkow, Mecklenberg, Germany, October 5, 1869. He entered 
the public school of his native place and after graduation in 
1S84, was sent by his parents to that famous Allgemeine Gerdbe 
Schule, Hamburg, Germany, where he distinguished himself by 
carrying away well merited honors in his class. He then came 
to the United States, settled in the Bronx and in order to per- 
fect his studies conchisively. entered Wayne College at Rochester, 
N. v., and took a thoroiigli American medical course, graduated 




BERNARD WILLIAM JUNCE, M.D. 

With the highest honors of his class; returned to the Bronx, 
where he commenced practice, and stands in the category of his 
fellow physicians as one who is so proficient in his profession 
that he is considered in moments of peril a safe and sound 
counsellor for consultation. Dr. Junge is a sterling Democrat 
in politics, has never sought, nor would he accept public office, 
lie is a member of the Bronx Medical Society and of J. C. J. 
Society of the Medical Universities of Buffalo, N. Y. In April 
1S91, he married Sophia Eickert, of Rochester, N. Y., and 
through this union has one daughter, a bright and intelligent 

AUGUST J. FREUTEL, M.D., was born in the Borough of 
the Bronx November 27, 1876. He graduated from Public 
School No. 85, and entered the Bellevue Hospital Medical Col- 
lege in New York, after which he entered the Albany Medical 
College of the Union University at Albany, N. Y. ; after gradu- 
ation he served as interne in the Mothers' and Babies' Hospital 
in New York. He started his practice in the Borough of the 
Bronx and has through his increasing devotion to his chosen 
profession acquired a very lucrative and extensive practice. He 
is examining physician for the Masonic Life Association of 
Western New York, and for the Ladies of the Maccabees of the 
World. Dr. Freutel is absolutely non-partisan in politics and 
has never sought any public office or appointment. He has de- 
voted all his time to his ever increasing practice, with the result 
that he now ranks among the foremost physicians of the North 
Side. He is a member of the Dutch Reformed Church, Wieland 
Lodge, 714, F. and A. M., Bronx Tent, 702, K. O. T. M., and 
the American Medical Association. He is one of the leading men 
in social circles and is looked to by the people of the Bronx as a 





JULIUS ADLER, M.D. 



AERAHAM LUSTCARTEN, M.D. 





LUCIUS WALLACE HOW, M.D. 



JOSEPH AUGUSTUS MULHOLLAND, M.D. 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



J59 



man of lofty and admirable qualities and is generally esteemed 
by his professional co-workers. He maintains his office and resi- 
dence at 5,33 Bergen Avenue. 

DR. LEOPOLD F. W. HAAS, a prominent physician of 
the Bron.x for the past eight years, was born in Jersey City, 
N. J., December 22, 1874. After a public school education at 
his native city, he entered the College of the City of New York, 
where he graduated with distinguished honors in 1894, re- 
ceiving that well merited degree of B. S. After receiving the 
latter honors, he entered the College of Physicians and Sur- 
geons of Columbia University, and graduated in 1898. In 1900 
and 1904, this strenuous student of Materia Medica, between 
periods of his studies, taught in the public schools, and was 
connected with the Board of Health of the city from 1900 to 
1904. He is at present a member of the Medical Society of the 
Bronx, the New York County Medical Society, tlie New York 
State Medical Association, the popular and select Longwood 
Club and Wieland Lodge, No. 714, F. and A. M. His father. J. 
J. Haas, born in Germany, came to this city a very young man, 
and for 30 years has been connected with the well known firm 
of D. S. Haas & Co. 

C. LUDWIG AMBOS, an active physician of the Bronx for 
the past four years, whose residence and office are located at 
1583 Washington Avenue, was born in the town of Speyer, 
Germany, February 26th, 1873. At the Speyer, Germany, 
Seminary he obtained a preparatory education, and emigrated 
to the United States in 1886. Alone and depending upon his 
own resources, he secured a position as drug clerk, and in the 
evenings while not engaged, he attended evening high school. 
In 1891 he entered the College of Pharmacy, and graduated 
therefrom in 1893. In i8g6 he entered Cornell Medical College, 
and in igoo graduated with honors. Dr. Ambos has filled several 
positions of trust since his advent into the Bronx as a dis- 
ciple of Esculapius. He is very conservative in his methods, 
but notwithstanding this, he is popular among his large clientage, 
and is rapidly gaining a very important position among his 
medical brctliren in the Bronx. 

DR. JULIUS ADLER, one of the skilled and popular phy- 
sicians in the Bronx, residing at 688 East 143d Street, is a native 
of Weisskirchen, Austria, born July 4, 1868. He has been prac- 
ticing in the Bronx for the past four years, and for several years 
engaged in practice in Manhattan. He graduated from the gym- 
nasium of his native city, then studied medicine for five years in 
the famous University of Vienna and graduated at Baltimore. The 
doctor has Democratic leanings, but is not an active politician. 
He married in 1896 Miss Fannie Jurist and has one child, a boy. 

DR. ABRAHAM LUSTGARTEN, prominent as a physician 
and a leading citizen of the Borough of the Bronx, was born in 
Russia, September 3d, 1879. After coming to the United States 
he attended Cornell University Medical College, where he gradu- 
ated with distinctive honors. His practice in the Borough of 
the Bronx has met with such signal success that his superior 
qualifications as a pllysician are regarded by his extensive 
clientage and the medical profession, as showing the highest 
order of ability and knowledge of his hoiTOrable profession. In 
his attendance upon the suffering, and in relieving their distress, 
no matter how painful or serious the case, he brings his remark- 
able skill into requisition with such firmness and yet in such a 
gentle manner as to endear him to those who are fortunate enough 



tc engage his professional services. As Attending Surgeon to 
the Out-Door Department of Lebanon Hospital, he has won the 
hearts of imnumerable sufiferers for his great skill in restoring 
thefn to their original health. Dr. Lustgarten has been a resident 
of the Bronx for the past twenty-three years; in national affairs 
he is a Republican, but in state matters he uses his judgment in 
supporting whom he may regard as the best man. Lie is a mem- 
ber of the East Side Physicians' Association, Eastern Medical 
Society of the Bronx, the New York County Medical Society, 
American and Alumni Association of Lebanon Hospital, Wood- 
stock Circle, Independent Order of Heptasophs, Examining 
Physician, and a great many other fraternal organizations. 

LUCIUS WALLACE HOW, M.D., is a practicing physician 
and court stenographer, resident in the Bronx for the last 
twelve years. He was born in Buffalo, June 16, 1850, and is a 
graduate of the New York College of Physicians and Surgeons 
He has been the Attending Physician at the Manhattan Dis- 
pensary, and is official stenographer of the Municipal Court, 
l-irst District of the Bronx, and for two years was the official 
stenographer to the Committee on Privileges and Elections of 
the New York Assembly. He was the official stenographer of 
the famous Lexow graft investigating committee. Dr. How 
belongs to the North Side Board of Trade, the Taxpayers' 
Alliance, and the Improvement League of the Forty-fourth 
Aldermanic District, of which latter organization he was the 
Secretary for the three years following its inception, and a mem- 
ber of the Executive Committee to the present time, and is presi- 
dent of the Bronxwood Park Improvement League. He is a 
member also of the Baptist Church, of the Masons, the Sons of 
the American Revolution (a fact indicative of his descent an<J 
breeding), and of the "Society of Little Yates." He was married 
September 10, 1879, to Miss Elizabeth P. Wyman, and has one 
son, Harry W. by name. 

JOSEPH AUGUSTUS MULHOLLAND, M.D.— Though 
less than ten years established. Dr. Mulholland, of 2582 Marion 
."Avenue, has been one of the most successful practitioners in the 
Bronx. His is a growing reputation. He was born in Mechanics- 
ville, N. Y., in 1878, buL has lived in the borough since he was 
a boy of 12. He was educated, primarily in private schools, and 
academically at St. John's College, Fordham, that thorough go- 
ing institution which is the pride of the Bronx. From it he 
passed to Cornell Medical College, Manhattan, took the full 
course and graduated in 1897. Appointed to Gouverneur and 
Fordham Hospitals as house surgeon and physician. Dr. Mul- 
holland has so far eschewed politics and sought no office. The 
private station in his preference. He is unmarried as yet, giv- 
ing his whole heart and soul to the profession. Some little re- 
laxation he takes, however, in the organizations to which he be- 
longs, chief among them the Fordham Club, Cornell Club, Roya' 
.Arcanum and Knigfhts of Columbus. 

JULIUS HAMMER, M. D., of foreign birth, but Americn^ 
rearing, education and professional development. Dr. Hammer 
is one of the most successful and distinguished medical practi- 
tioners of the Bronx. A young man, too, comparatively speak 
ing, having been born a little more than 30 years ago, that is to 
say, October 3, 1874. He is of Russian birth, like so many 
other of our New Yorkers of to-day, with an education in part 
received in the "gym" at Odessa, Russia, in part here in New 
York, a product, as some might have it, of both the old world 
and the new, a cosmopolitan in short, exemplifying the good 
of botli the Oriental and Occidental schools and world, and mod- 





SIMON HARRY GREENE, M.D. 



JULIUS HAMMER, M.D. 





SAMUEL SCHULHOFER. M.D. 



HENRY WAHN, M.D. 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



161 



ern, from whatever point of view. Dr. Hammer studied at the 
College of Physicians and Surgeons, the Medical Department of 
Columbia University of New York, and 'graduated there. He 
came to this country seventeen years ago, in 1889. He has lived 
in the Bronx and built up a reputation meanwhile for five years. 
He has taken the post graduate course in the Lying-in Hospital, 
assisted Dr. Gotthiel in the Dermatological Division of the 
Out-Door Department of Lebanon Hospital, and is a member 
of the New York State Pharmaceutical Association, the New 
York County Medical Society and the Physicians' Mutual Aid 
Society. He is medical examiner of the Loyal Association, mem- 
ber of Pima Lodge of the Knights of Pythias, of Colfax Coun- 
cil, Royal Arcanum, Excelsior Council, Loyal Association, and 
other fraternal organizations. He is a man of family, married 
now some eight years. His wife was Miss Rose Robinson. 
They have two sons, Armand, aged seven, and Victor, four years 
old. 

SIMON HARRY GREENE, M.D.— Among the younger 
members of the medical profession Dr. Greene is well known. 
He was born in Troy, Bradford County, Pa., on May 4, 1878, and 
was educated in the public schools of New York City and at 
the College of the City of New York. He entered the Medical 
Department of the University of Pennsylvania in 1897, and 
graduated therefrom in jgoi. After leaving the University he 
entered the Philadelphia Hospital as an interne, and remained 
until he moved to the Borough of the Bronx in September, 1901, 
where he immediately began the practice of his profession. The 
Doctor has built up a large practice, and is known as a pains- 
taking and careful surgeon and physician. He is on the stafi 
of the Surgical Dispensary of the Presbyterian Hospital, a Fel- 
low of the Penrose Medical Society of Philadelphia, is a mem- 
ber of the Phi Gamma Delta College fraternity, the Bronx Medi- 
cal Society, the Medical Society of the Greater City of New 
York, and medical examiner for the Junior Order of United 
American Mechanics. The Doctor resides and has his office at 
No. 830 East 164th Street. 

HENRY WAHN, M.D.. was born February 25. 1872. He 
received his early education in the public schools of New York 
City. He then took the Board of Regents examination, which he 
successfully passed. In 1894 he entered the Medical Department 
of the University of the City of New Y'ork, graduating therefrom 
in 1898. receiving the degree of M.D. For the past nine years 
Dr. Wahn has practiced his chosen profession in Bronx Borough. 
His office is located at 638 Eagle Avenue. He is a member of the 
New York County, the State and the Bronx Borough Medical 
Associations. He was married on May 24, 1903, to Miss Mary 
Ginnane. They have one child, Henry Wahn, Jr. 

DR. SAMUEL SCHULHOFER, of 709 Union Avenue, is 
one of the yonuger clement of professional men in the Bronx, 
who is fast rising into prominence. Time was when, as Disraeli 
expressed it, it was an atrocious crime in the estimation of some, 
to be young, but the much discussed Osier theory shows how 
opinion has changed in this matter. Truth is, there is probably 
a middle ground, some men develop earlier than others. And 
at all events the "moss-back." whatever age he is, is relegated 
nowadays to obscurity, and this is the day the young man gets 
his opportunity. The young physician we know has better 
chances now to "age" himself, as it were, than formerly ; there 
are a hundred hospitals, dispeasaries and schools now where 
there was one a few generations ago. Dr. Schulhofer we have 
said, is one of the younger element, he is 27. A New Yorker 
by birth, born here in 1878. He graduated from the Medical 



Department of Columbia (the College of Physicians and Sur- 
geons) in 1900, and served the usual probation at Lebanon Hospi- 
tal, ending in 1902. At the present time he is physician to the 
medical department of the Outdoor Dispensary, and admitting 
physician to Lebanon Hospital, a place significant of his ability 
and acquirements. He is a member, of course, of the Bronx 
Medical Society, and is enrolled among the Lebanon Alumni. 

GEORGE ASKER STRADER, M.D., chief of staff at the 
Metropolitan Hospital, was born at Geneva, Illinois, in 1873, and 
was educated at Lafayette College, Easton, Pennsylvania, and 
later graduated from tlie old Hahnemann Medical College of 
Philadelphia, Pa. Dr. Strader is the son of John I. Strader and 




Doctor Geo. A. Stradcr's Resicfcncc 

Edna A. Strader nee Wilson, well known citizens of Philadelphia, 
Pa. Since he commenced practice he has advanced rapidly in 
his profession and occupying the dignified and important position 
he does, as chief of the medical staff at the Metropolitan Hospi- 
tal, indicates the high esteem in which his pronounced abilities 
are held by the medical profession. 

J. LEWIS AMSTER, M.D., of No. 2092 Bathgate Avenue, 
corner of East 180th Street, Bronx, was born in New York City 
■on January 26, 1879. He attended the public schools, and 
graduated with high honors, later entering the College of the 
City of New York, where he showed marked proficiency in his 
studies. Having as a youth a predilection for the study of 
medicine, he entered the medical department of Cornell Univer- 
sity in 189S, from which he graduated in 1902. He was on the 
House Staff of the Lying-in Hospital and subsequently became 
House Surgeon of St. Mark's Hospital. He llien entered into 
the practice of medicine very successfully, and having now 
attained recognition and position among his colleagues, he has 
secured a lucrative practice. He is a skilful surgeon, as well 
as an able physician. Dr. .Amster, as a member of several cl".bs 
and societies, is widely known in social as well as professional 
circles. He is a member of Wyoming Lodge, 432, F. and A. M. ; 
Bronx Lodge, 871, B. P. O. .Elks: Bronx Borough Medical 
Society; Cornell Medical Alumni Association; St. Mark's Hos- 
pital Medical Alumni ; FZastern Medical Society, etc. 




piiHiiiP 



Thi; Melrose Turn Virein 




The Schnorcr Club 



CHAPTER XXXVII 



CLUBDOM IN THE BRONX 



|iome of the Principal Social and Political Organizations — Jefferson — Schnorer — Fordham — Brownson — Chippewa 
— Longwood — Bronx — Union Republican — North Side Republican— Mohawk — Wampanoag — 
Mott Haven — Men's Club of the Protestant Episcopal Church 



As the borough of the Bronx emerged from its chrysalis 
'bndition of rural simplicity and developed into the most pro- 
iressive borough of the Greater New York, it was but natural 
iiat it should imitate old Manhattan in the matter of club life. 
Irue to the instincts which residence in the second largest city in 
llie civilized world is bound to inculcate, ihe North Siders 
Ihturally formed themselves into organizations for the amuse- 
iient. instruction, development and political aspirations of the 



members. The result has been that the Bronx now possesses 
a variety of clubs that will compare favorably with any city in 
the Union. 

The Jefferson Club, with quarters at 155th Street and Court- 
landt Avenue, is not only a political, but a social one as well, 
and was the conception of Borough President Louis F. Haffen. 
The membership includes the leading lights among the followers 
of Thomas Jefferson, and its functions are noted for their record- 




.^jw^^^ 






^ " ^HKl ^^fflH "Tl 

Br."* I, filsri^ «lF> jffflk ■ 



4,^//./,X'- 




The Proposed Building cf the Jefferson Club. 









mSiWi 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



165 



lircaking attendance. The membership has increased to such an 
extent that it has been found necessary to build a new home to 
properly house the club, which numbers many of the most promi- 
nent business men in the community. 

Among the recent acquisitions to Bronx clubdom the Long- 
wood Club, located at Beck and 156th Streets, has assumed 
quite an importance. The idea of organizing this club origi- 
nated with George F. Johnson, a prominent Bronx real estate 
ioperator, who perceived the advantages that would accrue to the 
[section which he has done so much to develop by instituting a 
(home where the neighborhood could enjoy the privileges of the 
Ibowling alleys, gymnasium, billiard tables and other accessories 
iof a first-class club as well as the entertainments, receptions, 
Idances, smokers, at a moderate cost for membership. The move 
imcnt has been a complete success, and resulted in the general 
£r,-iii(l of the community. 




The Bronx Clvib 

I The Bronx Club, located at uOi and uOj branklin Ave 
|nue. is another prominent social organization which has become 
jlavorably known on the North Side, owing to the prominence 
jof its members in the social, political and business life of the lx)r- 
jough. 

The efiicers tpf the Bronx Club, which has become quitf 
prominent, arc: William Ebling, president; Joseph P. Hennessy. 
first vice-president ; Thomas B. Paton, second vice-president ; 
John A, Flcischniann, third vice-president; William Schwegler, 
jsccretary; William F. Jhill, financial secretary; William D. 
lAustin, assistant secretary, and John II. J. Ronner, chairman of 
jlho board of directors. 

The Melrose I urn Verein, located on Courtlandt Avenue. 
(near isoth Street, is an organization devoted to physical culture, 
which has attained a world-wide reputation for its many credit- 
able victories in various contests in the United States. With a 
well-equipped gymnasium and competent instructors, it conducts 
'an institution that has done much tn add to llie physical develop- 
ment of the rising generation. 

I' The Brownson Catholic Club, as its name indicates, is a so- 
cial-religious organization which has done much good in the 
circle in which it operates. It is housed in its own quarters on 
lEast 146th Street near Third Avenue, where the cornerstone of 
)thc handsome structure was laid on Sunday, April 26. 190.?. 
I The Fleetwood Park Club was the conception of Robert 
jBonner, the noted publisher and horseman, and did much for the 
Idevelopment of the road horse. With the death of Mr. Bon- 
jncr, who never stopped to consider the price of a fast trotter, 
)and the advancing tide of population, the club had to forsake its 



iroltmg track just west of Webster Avenue, between 103d and 
lO/ih .streeis, and only a portion of the track is still visible at 
this writing, while the clubhouse itself, doomed ere long to de- 
iiruction, seems incongruous among the two and three-family 
residences with which it is daily being hemmed in. 

Among the well known social clubs of the Bronx is the 
Schnorer Club, located on a rising knoll on East 163d Street and 
Eagle Avenue. This organization has attained quite a reputa- 
tion from the various functions which have been given under its 
auspices, that have been participated in by prominent public of- 
ficials not only of the city of New iork, but of other municipali- 
ties. The membership of this club includes many of the leading 
business men of the borough and is in a very flourishing condi- 
tion. The clubhouse is a very attractive structure, and is fully 
equipped with everything that tends to the enjoyment of its 
membership, including a cuisine that has won commendation. 

St. Mary's Club, located on 151st Street west of Melrose 
vvenue, is an organization composed of the members of the 
Church of the Iminaculatc Conception, which adjoins the club's 
i;uarters. The purpose of this club is purely of a social nature, 
and the hall is fitted up with all the paraphernalia conducive to 
making the club attractive. 

St. Mary's Catholic Club, as it is now known, was or- 
ganized July 4, 1887, under the name of Sacred Heart Dramatic 
i'ociety with a membership of eighteen. Rev. J. Keitz, then 
rector of the Church of the Immaculate Conception to which the 
society was attached, appointed Rev. Paul Huber as spiritual 
director, whose duties are the same as those of chaplain. Other 
spiritual directors appointed since the club was organized were 
kev. Fathers Tewes, Gutbcrlet, Suirni, Schoenhardt and Hild. 
Shortly after organization the society changed its name to that 
of St. Mary's Literary and Dramatic Association, under which 
name it was incorporated and was foremost in dramatic work in 
this vicinity and held very many successful entertainments. In 
1904 the n; me again was changed to that of St. Mary's Catholic 
Club, by which title it is to-day widely known as the oldest 
and leading Catholic club of this borough. In 1903 Rev. Father 
H. J. Otterbein, present rector of the parish, decided that a new 
club house was necessary and through his efforts and good will 
the building was started the latter part of that year. The club 
house is a handsome three-story structure of brick and stone, 
handsome];,' furnished and equipped with all modern and up- 
to-date ideas. In the basement there are two fine Brunswick- 
Kalke bowling alleys, as well as needle and shower baths, etc. 
Ground lloor consists of parlor and large gymnasium equipped 
with all kinds of appliances to suit anyone with athletic tenden- 
cies. Located on the second floor there are billiard and pool 
tables, card room and a large sitting room. On the third floor 
there is a well furnished up-to-date library and reading room. 
The membership consists of single and married men and anyone 
wishing to join must be 21 years of age. Initiation fee is $3 ; 
and dues are 50 cents a month. The officers and trustees of the 
ciub are as follows: Rev. Chas. Burger, spiritual director; 
Adam J. Hecht, president ; John Kupfer, first vice-president ; 
Jacob Blacsser, second vice-president; John Pfluger, treasurer; 
Chas. Maeder, financial secretary ; Edward Jacques, correspond- 
ing secretary; Geo. Berliner, recording secretary; James F. Ber- 
man. Jr., first librarian; Anthony Stadta, second libarian ; Wil- 
liam Rieger. dramatic director; Bernard Schilling, sergeant-at- 
arnis. Bonrd of Trustees — Rev. Chas. Burger, president; .Adam 
J. Hecht, Jacob Blaesser, Frank Geisler, John Kupfer, L. Met- 
terer, Jos. Reichert, Ed. Jacques, Geo. Pfluger, Christ. Stumpf. 
Edward Geneckler. 

The Morris Park Club House, the conception of the Mor- 
ris Brothers, for the improvement of thoroughbreds, has been 



166 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



the scene of many exciting races both on the Hal and hurdle. 
The days of this club, hcwever, are numbered, as the growth of 
the borough in that section demands the extension of the street 
system through the tract of land upon which the Messrs. Morris 
have spent millions in grading the grounds for racing purposes, 
and under the auspices of the Westchester Racing Association 
drew immense crowds of visitors when the races authorized by 
ihe American Jockey Club were being run. 

The Morris Park track was the outcome of the condemna- 
tion of the Jerome Park track by the city for reservoir pur- 
poses, and now its own existence is doomed, owing to the en- 
croachments of the railroads and the ever-increasing tide of 
population that is converting the farm lands into homes for the 
thrifty. 

At both Morris Park as well as Jerome Park the Ameri- 
can turf has received an .npetus in its development which has 
led to the investment of millions in the propagation of racing 
studs, and eventually led to the man of wealth investing large 
sums in establishing his own private equipment to relieve the 
strenuosity of business life. 

The Fordham Club, located in the West Bronx, is another 
of the prominent organizations that have attained notoriety. The 



membership embraces some of the foremost men in the uppe' 
portion of the Bronx, who are a power both ia political an) 
civic life. The club's quarters are located on Fordliam Roa' 
and Morris Avenue. , 

Of the clubs in the lower section of the borough the fore 
most in social activities are the Wampanoag at Willis Avenu 
and 143d Street ; the North Side Republican Club, at I42d Streei 
and Third Avenue, occupying the upper part of three building;' 
and fitted up with billiard rooms and every convenience tendiu; 
to make club life congenial ; the Union Republican Club, al 
Boston Road and 165th Street, located in the former residenc 
of ex-Senator William Cauldwell ; the Osceola, the Mott Haveil 
Athletic Club, the Mohawk Athletic Club, the Men's Club of th' 
Protestant Episcopal Church; the West Morrisania Club, be^id 
a host of others. 

In the Annexed District, as the territory north and east 
the Bronx River is designated, the spirit of clubdom has hac 
full sway. The most noted in the territory is the Chippew; 
Club, at Throggs Neck, under the patronage of Deputy Com 
missioner Thomas H. O'Neil. The membership includes nearl; 
every one of any prominence in the district, and its influence i 
much felt during political campaigns. 



■■ ••■.-« 


i i T^^ 


■^;^^2fl 


Hh[ 




|^^^^^BHHB[niii^iiM|BjK^JH|^^^^^^| 



The Fordham Club 



CHAPTER XXXVIII 



CIVIC BODIES IN THE BRONX 



North Side Board ot Trade — Twenty-third Ward Property Owners' Association — Taxpayers' Alliance- 
Improvement League 



Realizing that concerted acuon on the pan of iis progrebsivc 
titizens was needed in order to properly auvance the niterests ot 
ihe Borough ot Ihe Bronx, a number of the torcmost citizens 
gathered and discussed tlie advisability of forming an organiza- 
tion which should be known as the North Side Board of Trade. 
1 he result of these deliberations culminated in the formal organ- 
ization of this representative body on March b, 1904, when the 
constitution and by-laws to govern the body were finally adopted. 

The objects for which the organization were formed were so 
consonant with the desires and hopes of tlie progressive citizens 
that from the initial meeting the movement was an assured suc- 
cess. 

In all proposed improvements tending to the upbuilding of 
the borough this truly representative body of business men has 
played an important part, in many instances taking the initiative, 
while in other cases where the other bodies of taxpayers' associa- 
tions have taken the first steps to secure public improvements 
this body has ciheerfuUy and freely given its aid in furtherance 
of all measures that would tend to the development of the bor- 
ough of which all North Siders entertain such fond hopes. 

Many problems confronted this body which would have 
daunted less sanguine individuals, but it seemed that opposition 
only accentuated the desire to succeed, and the results have been 
very flattering. 

Its influence in connection with that of other civic bodies re- 
sulted in the running of continuous trains over the elevated rail- 
road, and eventually the extension of the system northward to its 
present terminus at Bedford Park. 

The Rapid Transit question has been a matter of great 
moment to this organization, for its members fully realized that 
with more rapid and frequent transit facilities assured the bor- 
ough, the tide of population would not diminish in volume but, 
on the contrary, be largely increased. The wisdom of this cam- 
paign lias been demonstrated by the phenomenal growth which 
has resulted from the institution of improved transit facilities. 

In every movement that tends to the advancement of the 
interests of the Borough, live committees appear before the city, 
State and National legislatures to urge the adoption of measures 
lending to the beneficial growth of this portion of the great city 
with a persistency of purpose that has resulted in favorable action 
being taken thereon by the authorities. 

OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 
President — Olin J. Stephens, 444 East 138th Street. 
Secretary — Charles E. Reid. office. 149th Street and Third 
Avenue. 



Treasurer — Charles VV. Bogart, 135th Street and Third Ave- 
nue. 

Vice-Presidents. — Ernest Hall, Henry L. Morris, Joseph A. 
Goulden, Henry A. Gumbleton, Adolph G. Hupfel, John F. 
Sleeves, John J. Amory, Charles A. Berrian, John Claflin. Louis 
F. Hafifen. 

Executive Committee — 'ierm Expiring 1907 — Louis F. Haf- 
fen, Anthony McOwen. Wm. W. Niles, Dr. Israel C. Jones, 
Charles VV. Bogart, Ernest Hall, Seward Baker ; term expiring 
igo8 — ^Joseph A. Goulden, Hermann G. Friedmann, Louis A. 
Risse, Robert Davis, Fred'k W. Hottenroth, Martin Walter, Al- 
phonse Weiner; term expiring iqog — Matthew Anderson, Wil- 
liam J. Williamson. John J. Fo.x, Charles W. Stoughton, John 
De Hart, .\rthur Knox, Wesley H. Trimmer. 

HONORARY MEMBERS. 

Rev. Henry M. MacCracken, Chancellor New York University, 
University Heights. 

Rev. George A. Pettit, former President St. Johns College, 
Fordham. 

William T. Hornaday. Director Zoological Park, Bronx Park. 

Dr. N. L. Britton, Director Botanical Garden, Bron.\ Park. 

James W. Wardrop. Secretary Merchants' Association, Pitts- 
burg, Pa. 

George L. Rives, Corporation Counsel, 32 Nassau Street. 

Major David Wilson, Second Battery, 671 East 138th Street. 

MEMBERS EX-OFFICIO. 
Charles Kuntz, .Alderman 38th District, 482 Brook .Avenue. 
Philip Harnischfeger. Alderman 39th District, i68th Street and 

Third Avenue. 
Francis J. O'Neil, .Alderman 40th District, 1217 Bryant Street. 
William E. Morris, Alderman 41st District, Tremont and .Arthur 

Avenues. 
Thomas J. Mulligan. Alderman 44th District, Prospect ferrace. 

Williamsbridge. 
Thomas D. Dinwoodie. Alderman 43d District. Pelhani Road. 

Westchester. 
Arthur H. Murphy, .\ldernian 42d District. 875 Tremuiu \\ciuk'. 
.Albert .F. Schwannecke, Coroner, Third and Tremont .Avenues. 
Robert F. McDonald, M.D., Coroner. Third and Tremont .\ve 

nues. 
Frank Gass, Register, Avenue B and Tenth Street, LInionport. 
John A. Hawkins, Senator 21st District, 601 East 139th Street. 
Charles Campbell. Assemblyman 34th District, 899 East i.?otli 

Street. 



i68 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



John P. Cohalan, Assemblyman 35th District, 1042 Macy Place. 
William W. Pentield, Justice First Municipal Court, Wakefield. 
John M. Tierney, Justice Second Municipal Court, Bedford 
Park. 

MEMBERS. 

AbranisoM, Joseph C, Lawyer, 99 Nassau Street. 

Acker, Isaac, Butcher, Sx West 127th Street. 

Adams, Ciiarlcs L., Lumber, 149th Street and Harlem River. 

-Mien, John PL, Manufacturer, 370 Gerard Avenue. 

Allen, P'rederick 11., ].-awyer, O3 Wall Street. 

Alexander, Richard, Real Estate, Marble Hill, Kmgsbridge. 

Amory, John J., Gas Engine & Power Co., Morris Heights. 

.Anderson, Matthew, Real Estate, 2632 Ihird Avenue. 

Ashtield, A. E., Insurance, 67 West J2sth Street. 

Baker, Sev/ard, Attorney, West P'arms Road, Westchester. 

Bambey, John, Banker, i4Sth Street and Third Avenue. 

Barnard, Everett L., Attorney, 35 Mt. Morris Park West. 

Bartelstone, Aaron, Glass and Paint, 4179 ihird Avenue. 

Bartelstone, Oscar, Glass and Paint, 4179 Third Avenue. 

Barry, John J., Real Estate, 793 East 167th Street. 

Beal, William R., Central Union Gas Co., i West I2ist Street. 

Berrian, Charles A., Real Estate, 141 Broadway. 

Bird, George \V., Bron.x Business Institute, 2804 Third Avenue. 

Bogart, Charles V\'., Banker, 135th Street and Third Avenue. 

Booth, William 11., Carriages, Boston Road and i8ist Street. 

Borgstede, John G., Real Estate, 3273 Third Avenue. 

Braun, P'rederick, Manufacturer, 475 East 153d Street. 

Brady, John J., Lawyer, 99 Nassau Street. 

Bnggs, Josiah A,, Chief Engineer, 177111 Street and Third A\e- 
nue. 

Brown, William R., Port Morris Land Co., 141 Broadway. 

Burgoyiie, Stephen, Real Estate, 486 East 143d Street. 

Barnard, Henry H., Lumber, Mott and Park Avenues. 

Bell, Hal, Lawyer, 346 Broadway. 

Bedell, Arthur G., Publisher, i7Sth Street and Third Avenue. 

Best, Samuel J., Builder, 700 East 144th Street. 

Bell, John J., Building Material, 137th Street and Gerard Ave- 
nue. 

Britton, Dr. N. L., Director, Botanical Garden, Bronx Park. 

Becker, Dr. Clayton, Banker, Park and Tremont Avenues. 

Brogan, Charles, Builder, 540 West ii2i;h Street. 

Boyd, Dr. William A.., Physician, 346 Willis Avenue.. 

Baker, Harold W., Printer, 17 Cedar Street. 

Bolton, William H., Secretary, 177th Street and Bron.x River. 

Bailey Piano Co., Manufacturers, Canal Place and 138th Street. 

Birchall, William H., Manufacturer, 177th Street and Bron.x 
River. 

Brener, Samuel, Real Estate, 148th Street and Third Avenue. 

Becker, Adolph, Provision Dealer, 2690 Third Avenue. 

Bush, John H., Coal and Ice, Westchester. 

Baisley, George P., Contractor, Fordham Road and Grajid Ave- 
nue. 

Carr, Frank A., Merchant, 139th Street and Morris Avenue. 

Carvalho, J. S., Lumber, 149th Street and Harlem River. 

Caterson, Robert, Monuments, Woodlawn. 

Chabot, Theodore J., Department Store, isoth Street and Third 
Avenue. 

Claflin, John, H. B. Clatlin & Co., Church and Worth Streets. 

Cox, Walter, Lawyer, 180 Broadway. 

Crostic, E. A., Dentist, 140th Street and Third Avenue. 

Cantwell, John M., Real Estate, 3 Cedar Avenue. 

Cowan, Joseph, Hotel, Clason Point. 

Close, Seth D., Physician, 636 East 143d Street. 



Cohen, Isidor L., Lumber, 137th Street and Fifth Avenue. 

Culver, Weeks W., Lawyer, 614 East 138th Street. 

Crane & Sturgis, Civil Engineers, 765 Tremont Avenue. 

Cantrell, Herbert J., Real Estate, Jerome Avenue and Fordham 
Road. 

Daub, William, Superintendent, Lebanon Hospital, 

Darlington, Thomas, Physician, Kingsbridge. 

Davies. J. Clarence, Real Estate, 524 Willis Avenue. 

Davis, Albert E., Architect, 494 East 138th Street.. 

Davis, Robert, Furnaces, 545 East 148th Street. 

Davis, John C, Furnaces, 545 East 148th Street. 

Davis, George G., Furnaces, 545 East 148th Street. 

De Hart, John, Architect, 1039 Fox Street. 

Dienst & Co., A. P., Hardware, 140th Street and Third Avenue. 

Doll, Jr., -f^nthony. Pianos, Southern Boulevard and Trinity 
.\venue. 

Dodge & Morrison, .\rchitects, 82 Wall Street. 

Decker, Frank, Tinsmith, 071 East 135th Street. 

l.'elany, John T., Lawyer, 206 Broadway. 

Duffy, Thomas F'., Stoneware Drain Pipe. FourtJi Avenue and 
138th Street. 

Donovan, Jr., James J., Collector, I77tli Street and Third Ave- 
nue. 

Donlin, George T., Clergyman, 230 .\le.\ander Avenue. 

Ebling, William, Retired, 194 Riverside Drive. 

Eaton, Bradley L., Lumber, 138th Street and Fourth Avenue. 

F^asterbrook, H. C, Demist, 728 Tremont Avenue. 

Eustis, John E., Lawyer, 80 Broadway. 

Fellows, H. G., Merchant, Westchester and Tliird Avenues. 

Fox, John J., Undertaker, lyio Bathgate Avenue. 

Friedmann, H. G., Attorney, 31 Nassau Street. 

F'urlong, Richard, Roofer, 459 East I35lh Street. 

Picker, Robert M.. Broker, 79O East 148th Street. 

Fulle, John, Real Estate, 883 East 169th Street. 

Freudenmacher. Philipp, Mason and Builder, 567 East iS4t!i 
Street. 

Falk, Louis, Architect, 2785 'Third Avenue. 

Fayen, J. F., Mutual Milk Co., 602-608 East I42d Street. 

Fuiike, Edmund, Dye Works, West Farms Road. 

Fisher, Robert C, Marble, 139th Street and Locust Avenue. 

Fox, M. Evving, Manufacturer, 136th Street and Rider Avenue. 

Geiszler, Martin, Manufacturer, 136th Street and Rider .\venue. 

Gareiss, Jr., August, Cashier, 1018 East i68th Street. 

Gumbleton. Henry A., Secretary to Borough President, 177th 
Street and Third Avenue. 

Goodall, William A., Physician, 563 East 158th Street. 

Gotshall, William C, Railroad President, 76 William Street. 

Goulden, Joseph A., Penn Life Insurance Co., 180 Broadway. 

Gwyer, Eugene E., Manufacturer, I50t?h Street and River Ave- 
nue. 

Gormsen, Harold V., Builder, 141st Street and Rider Avenue. 

Goodsell, Nelson, Telephone Co., 616 East 150th Street. 

Goldman, Samuel P., Lawyer, 87 Nassau Street. 

Gass, Frank, Real Estate, Unionport. 

Haffen, John, Dollar Savings Bank, 644 East iS2d Street. 

Haflfen, Louis F., Borough President, 177th Street and Third 
Avenue. 

Hager, Fred. W., Band Master, 953 Trinity Avenue. 

Haebler, Theodore, Brewer, St. Ann's Avenue and is6th Street. 

Hall, Alfred, Steel Engraver, Beech Avenue and 141st Street. 

Hall, Ernest, Attorney, 1087 Boston Road. 

Harden, William H.. Real Estate, 524 Willis Avenue. 

Hall, H. B., Steel Engraver, 990 Trinity Avenue. 

Harrington, M. J., Contractor, 114 East Twenty-third Street. 



II 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



m 



Heintz, John C, Eichler Brewing Co., ifigtli Street and 1 hinl 
Avenue. 

Hiers, William F., Cashier, 350 Alexander Avenue. 

Hirshkind, Max. Clolliing, 32 South Fourth Avenue. Ml. \ernon. 

Hennessy, J. P., Lawyer, Boston Road and 169th Street. 

Holmes, D. B., Lawyer, 290 Broadway. 

Hottenroth, Fred. W., Attorney, lOo Broadway. 

Hupfel, Adolph G., Brewer, lOist Street ami Third Avenue. 

1-lowe, Lucius W., Stenographer, Bronxwood Park, Williams- 
bridge. 

Harper, Harry, Paint Supplies, 2698 Third Avenue. 

Hitchcock, Fred. R., Fish Market, 2726 Third Av-enue. 

How, Lucius W., .Stenographer, Bronxwood rarK, Willianis- 

Haiss, George, Coal Handling Manufacturer, Rider Avenue and 
141st Street. 

Hildreth, J. Homer, Lawyer, 138th Street and Third Avenue. 

Haggerty, James J., Real Estate, Freeman Street and Southern 
Boulevard. 

Hally, Charles V., Real iislale. 1014 East I75ih Street. 

Hertz, Eii'.anuel, Lawyer, 320 Broadway. 

Heaney, P. J., Masons' Materials, 176th Street and West Farms 
Road. 

Ireland. Augustus .\., Assistant Superintendent, 2806 Third 
Avenue. 

Jones, Dr. Israel C. Superintendent, Home for Incurables. 

Johnson, Frederick, Real Estate, Prospect and Westchester .Ave- 

Judge, J. Taiigney, Inspector, 2804 Third Avenue. 

Jackson, Frederick W., Commissioner, Throgg's Neck. 

Jones, Joseph FL, Builder, 950 Ogden Avenue. 

Kiiiitz, Louis, Real Estate, 883 East 169th Street. 

Keating, William H., Real Estate, White Plains Avenue. 

Keil, Francis, Hardware Manufacturer, 683 East 163d Street. 

Kellar, George W., Wholesale Butcher, 970 Prospect Avenue. 

Kieshng, Charles, Printer, 623 East l4Slh Street. 

Knoeppel, John H., Upholsterer, 1345 Franklin Avenue. 

Kountze, Luther, Banker, 120 Broadway. 

Kupka, .Yuguat, Cut Stone, 139th Street and Walnut Avenue. 

King, James M., Florist, 748 Tremont Avenue. 

Kienle, Charles H., Printer, 45 Rose Street. 

Knox, Herbert A., Lawyer, 198 Broadway. 

Knox, Arthur, Lawyer, 198 Broadway. 

Kelly, Andrew J., Insurance, 148th Street and Third Avenue. 

Kearns. Phillip J., Contractor, 440 East Ninety-first Street. 

Kephart, William H., Clergyman, 683 East 143d Street. 

Keppler. Tobias .\., Attorney, 280 Broadway. 

Krappc, Walter J., Pharmacist, 2835 Third Avenue. 

Knoeppel, Harold C, Lawyer, 5 Beekman Street. 

Lawson, Ch.nrles B., Piano Manufacturer, Seventeenth Street and 
Seventh Avenue. 

Levinson, Leo. Painters' Supplies, 528 Willis Avenue. 

Levy, Charles S., Westchester Clothing Co., 2714 Third Avenue. 

Levy, Louis E., Bostonian Department Store, 164th Street and 
Third Avenue. 

Lipps, Jr., Henry, Contractor. 115 Elliott .Avenue, Williams- 
bridge. 

Livingston, Phillip, .'\ttorney, 141 Broadway. 

Lorenze, Ji., A. H., Inspector, 972 East 175th Street. 

Lawrence, Richard W., Manager Aeolian Co., 362 Fifth Avenue. 

Liebertz. Joseph. Banker, 148th Street and Third Avenue. 

Levy. Herman J.. Real Estate. 116 We^t 135th Street. 

Lowenstem, .\lbert L.. Real Estate. 356 Fordham Road. 

Leitner, Jacob. Real testate. Prospect and Westchester Avenues. 

Leitner, Joseph. Real Estate. Prospect and Westchester Avenues. 

Lowe, William R., Real Estate, 221 West 1 16th Street. 



MacMilian, Samuel, Builder, 105 Havemeyer Building. 
Marshall, Fielding L., Attorney, 32 Nassau Street. 
Martin, Edwin K., Real Estate, 290 Broadway. 
Marx, Samuel, Dry Goods, 677 East 140th Street. 
Matthewson, Douglas, Attorney, Borough Building. 
McGuire, Eugene J., Hotel Proprietor, 608 East 138th Streel. 
M.Ow-en, Viuhony, Real Estate, 515 Wales Avenue. 
McLaughlin, Walter, Real Estate, 3418 Third Avenue. 
McQuay, B. Frank, Real Estate, 148th Street and Third .\\ciuuv 
Meyerhoff, Charles A. D., Editor, 149th Street and liergcii 

Avenue. 
Meyer, Henry, Coal, 137th Streel and Rider Avenue. 
Montgomery, William R., Banker, 765 Tremont Avenue. 
Morris, Dave H., Broker, 68 Broad Street. 
Morris, Alfred H., Broker, 68 Broad Street. 
Morris, Henry L., Attorney, 16 Exchange Place. 
Morris, Fordham, Attorney, 45 East Thirtieth Street. 
Mon, Jordan L., iron Works, 2122 rifth Avenue. 
Mohr, William F"., Furniture Manufacturer, 135th Street ami 

Willow Aveitue. 
McDowell, James. FVeight Agent, Harlem River Station. 
Malcolm, Thomas D., Builder, River Avenue and i67lh Streel. 
Mapes, Charles A., City Surveyor, 148th Street and Third 

Avenue. 
Morrison, W. T., Manager, Edison Co., 634 East 149th Street. 
Moran, D. W., Stone Dealer, 562 Burnside Avenue. 
Marco, B. B., Marco Brothers, 138th Street and Rider .\venue 
McEvily, John, Master Plumber, 857 Tremont Avenue. 
Maher, Edward A., President Union Railroad Co.. 204 F.a'-i 

128th Street. 
McLaugnlin, Hugh E., Civil Engineer, 800 Pelham Avenue. 
Mellert, Fred. M., Builder, 176th Street, near Prospect .^vchik- 
Mitchell, H. R., Chief Clerk, 183d Street and Southern Boule 

yard. 
Minor, Charles F., Banker, 148th Street and Third .Avenue. 
Morgenthau, Henry, Real Estate, 20 Nassau Street. 
Mapes, Ernest S., Merchant, 1920 West Farms Road. 
Mehltretfer, Charles F., Real Estate, 1962 Clinton .Vvenue. 
.McAndrew, William, Principal, 2724 Kingsbridge Terraie. 
.Melson, William, Iron Works. 718 East 165th Street. 
Niles. William W.. Attorney, 11 Wall Street. 
Ott, George, Retired, 35 Kelly Street. 

O'Conmell, Edward B.. Tile Contractor, 929 East 151SI Street 
Oliver, l-'rancis V. S., Attorney, 220 Broadway. 
Oppenheimer, Milton E., Real Estate, 206 Broadway. 
O'Rourke, George A., Builder, 148th Street and Bergen .\vciuie. 
O'Hara, Peter S., Real Estate, 200th Street and Webster .\veiine 
Phelps, Walter E., Lawyers' Title Co., 2792 Third .Vveiuu-. 
Peck, William D., Attorney, 80 Broadway. 
Perlhefter, John P., Retired, 49 East Thirteenth Street. 
Pfiueger, Charles H., Signs, 106 Lincoln Avenue. 
Fiser, Abramson, Furniture. 150th Street and Third .-\vciuk-. 
Press, T. Channon, Attorney, 10 Wall Street. 
Phelps, Walter C., Secretary, 350 Alexander Avenue. 
Perry, Frank S., Lawyer, 765 Tremont Avenue. 
Polak, Edward, Real Estate, 40.30 Third Avenue. 
Price, George, Real Estate, 728 East 138th Street. 
Parker, Andrew D., Attorney, 220 Broadway. 
Quinn, Thomas J., Builder, 883 East i66th Street. 
Queripel, Henry J., Vice-President, 119 East 124th Street. 
Raymond. George B.. Sewer Pipe, Third Avenue and 1381!' 

Street. 
Reeber, John J.. Merchant, 2595 Third Avenue. 
Keid, Charles E., Insurance, 634 East i4gth Street. 



MO 



History of bronx borough 



Reinhardt, George N., Grain, 697 East i62cl Street. 

Risse, Ixrnis A., Engineer, 599 Mott Avenue. 

Robitzek, Gustav, Coal, 136111 Street and Rider Avenue. 

Rogers, Allred M., Dry Goods, 143d Street and Third Avenue. 

Rosenberg, Joseph, Printer, 556 East 141st Street. 

Rosenberg, Henry, Metropolis 'J healre, i42d Street and Third 

Avenue. 
Rothermel, Albert N., Architect, 688 East 149th Street. 
Rosenquest, Eugene, Electric Eight Co., Westchester. 
Rossman, Jonas A., Plumber, II East Twenty-second Street. 
Rowse, Charles A., Photographer, 143d Street and Third Avenue. 
Rice, Andrew, Shoes, 2697 Third Avenue. 
Rogge, John L., Civil Engineer, 694 East 140 i Street, 
keville, Patrick J., Superintendent Buildings, 177th Street and 

Third Avenue. 
Rogers, Jason S., Contractor, 990 Tinton Avenue. 
Ricca, Hugh P., Piano Manufacturer, 883 Southern Boulevard. 
Rcichard, Charles, Clerk, 630 East 149th Street. 
Rogers, George H., Civil Engineer, 138th Street and Third 

Avenue. 
Saward, Frederick E., Editor, 41 Park Row. 
Schaefer, Edward C, President Germania Bank, 155th Street 

and Third Avenue. 
Schaeffeler, Joseph, Builder, 318 Blast Thirteenth Street. 
Schilling, Francis A., Botanical Garden, Bronx Park. 
Silleck, Harry G, Lumber, Foot East 135th Street. 
Singhi, H. W., Builder, 184th Street and Jerome Avenue. 
Smith, \V. Stebbins, Attorney, 720 East ib7th Street. 
Smith, John T., Real Estate, 671 East 135th Street. 
Soltmann, E. G., Drawing Materials, 125 East Forty second 

Street. 
Stark, George, Lumber, Gerard .Avenue and 138th Street. 
Steeves, John F., Lumber, Mott and Park Avenues. 
Stem, Benjamin, Dry Goods, 32 West Twenty-third Street. 
Steiger, Frederick, Plumber, i62d Street and Third Avenue. 
Stephens, Olin J., Coal, 444 East 138th Street. 
Steurer, Charles D., Publisher, 149th Street and Bergen Avenue. 
Stoughton, Charles W., Architect, 96 Fifth Avenue. 
Stonebridge, George E., Collector, 4143 Park Avenue. 
Stutchbury. W. H., Manager, 405 East 144th Street. 
Sicker, Adolphus T., Lawyer, 3608 Third Avenue. 
Shipway, John H., Marble Manufacturer, Foiot East 138th 

Street. 
Smith, Clement H., Real Estate, 736 Tremont Avenue. 
Surridge, Jr., John H., Restaurant, 177th Street and Third 

Avenue. 
Staib, Albert, Piano Action Manufacturer, 134th Street and 

Brook Avenue. 
Sheil, Dr. Gerald V., Physician, 348 Willis Avenue. 
Stonebridge, William, Real Estate, 951 East 184th Street. 
Stoeckel, Rudolph E., Drug Chemicals, 2449 Third Avenue. 
Scardefield, Frank H., Gold Leaf Manufacturer, 457 East 134th 

Street. 
Stephens, Clinton, Contractor (Retired), Clason Point. 
Snyder, H. R., Title Insurance Co., '135 Broadway. 
Smith, Edson A., Druggist, 200 Broadway. 
Schaefer, Henry C, Real Estate, 759 Courtlandt Avenue. 
Saulspaugh, W. S., Lumber, 723 Union Avenue. 
Sullivan, Michael J., Lawyer, 148th Street and Third Avenue. 
Sharrott, Charles F., Real Estate, 2796 Third Avenue. 
Simpson, John B., President Estey Piano Co., 1170 Broadway. 
Stryker, Edward, Teacher, 722 East 174th Street. 
Storm, Jules P., Advertising Agent, 189 Broadway. 
Schwarzler, Albert J., Builder, 1313 Brook Avenue. 



Smith, F. Vinton, Contractor, 125th Street and Lexington Ave- 
nue. 

Ten Eyck, William H., Commissioner, 679 East 135th Street. 

Tiffany, Henry D., Real Estate "Foxhurst,' Westchester Ave- 
nue. 

I'iflany, George F., Real Estate, Westchester Avenue and South- 
ern Boulevard. 

Trimmer, Wesley H., Coal, 133d Street, near Third Avenue. 

Trull, William C, Attorney, 206 Broadway. 

Traud, William T., Teacher, 3968 East 200th Street. 

Traber, A. P., Manufacturer, 2151-2167 Prospect Avenue. 

Toussaint, Julius F., A.storia Realty Co., 60 Murray Street. 

UUman, Charles L., Attorney, 502 Willis Avenue. 

Van Doren, Louis C, Lawyer, 35 Nassau Street. 

Von Munsler, Charles, Real Estate, 708 East 201st Street. 

Von Duering, Dr. A., Physician, 522 East issth Streei. 

Weiher, William H., Builder, Cypress Avenue and i3Sth Street. 

Walter, Martin, Real Estate, 706 Tremont Avenue. 

Walworth, John C, Walworth School, 634 East 149th Street. 

Warren, Samuel, Watson Estate, 260 Church Street. 

Webber, Richard, Packing House, 155 Broadway. 

Weiffenbacli, George W., Attorney, 155 Broadway. 

Weiner, .'Mphonse, Jeweler, 2827 Third Avenue. 

Wells, James L., Real Estate, 141 Broadway. 

Westergreu, H. F., Metal Works, 437 East 144th Street. 

Wilco.x, Franklin A., Attorney, I Broadway. 

Wiegle, Charles H., Metropolitan Dye Works, West Farms. 

Williamson, Wm. J., Real Estate, 2796 Third Avenue. 

Williamson, John W., Hotel, Westchester and Prospect .'Vvenues 

Wilkens, Ernest A., Physician, 284 Alexander Avenue. 

Winter, Julius, Pianos, 137th Street and Southern Boulevard. 

Wood, Robert C, Banker, 30 Broad Street. 

Wright & Son, William H., Builders, 2668 Briggs Street. 

Watson, J. C, Grain, i3Sth Street and Mott Haven Canal. 

Wahle, Charles G. F., Magistrate, 1239 Franklin Avenue. 

Wainwright, William, Builder, 1042 Macy Place. 

Winter, Charles A., Manager Bronx Theatre, 150 East 107th 
Street. 

Weisker, Jr.. B. H., Real Estate, Jerome Avenue and 184th Street. 

Wagner, Constantin, Manufacturer, 965 East I32d Street. 

Ward, Levi A., Corn Exchange Bank, 520 Willis Avenue. 

Woods, Lewis H., Electrical Contractor, 2357 Jerome Avenue. 

Woods, Frederick J., Real Estate, Third and Tremont Avenues. 

Wilkens, Walter, Real Estate, 1105 Westchester Avenue. 

Wright, Henry, Tile Contractor, 584 East 148th Street. 

Weber, Charles A., Real Estate, Third Avenue and 149th Street. 

York, Frank S., Livery Stables, 614 East 145th Street. 

Zeltner, William, Zeltner Brewing Co., 170th Street and Third 
Avenue. 

Zoetbl, Joseph L., Attorney, 229 Broadway. 



Taxpayers' Alliance 

Another body of indefatigable civic workers is the Taxpay- 
ers' Alliance, which is the recognized parent body for all the 
numerous neighborhood organizations of the horough, it being 
composed of representative delegates to the Alliance, and their 
familiarity with strictly local conditions imparts a decided im- 
port to the deliberations of the parent body. 

Its influence has been felt in the halls of legislation when 
measures inimical to the interests of the taxpayers have been 
before the legislators. 



hlSlrORV OF BRONX BOROUGH 



m 



Following is a list of delegates to the Taxpayers' Alliance, 
January i, 1906, with their resiuence and post office address, and 
the associations they represent : 

23D WARD TAXPAYERS' ASSOCIATION. 
F. Landenberger, 1036 Union Avenue; Station R. 
John M. Haften, Secretary, 644 East iS2d Street; Station R. 
Sigmund Feust, Real Estate, 718 East 138th Street; Station R. 
Charles Baxter, Architect, 2580 Third Avenue; Station R. 
A. Hottenroth, Lawyrer, lOo Broadway ; Bedford Park. 

Alternates. 
George Fiencke, Paints, 3006 Third Avenue; Station R. 
E. A. Acker, Lawyer, 287 Broadway; Station R. 
Philip Freudenmacher, Builder, 567 East lS4th Street. 
Thomas F. Coleman, Real Estate, 531 East 139th Street; Sta- 
tion R. 
A. F. Lawson, Fire Appliances, 261 1 Broadway. 

FORDHAM CLUB. 
Joseph A. Goulden, 180 Broadway. 
Dr. I. S. Balcom, Physician, 587 Fordham Road; High Bridge, 

Fordham. 
J. A. Donnelly, Lawyer, 2751 Morris Avenue; Kirkside Avenue, 

Fordham. 
W. H. Birchall, Treasurer, 45 Broadway ; West Farms. 
John J. Fox, Undertaker, 1908 Bathgate Avenue; Tremont. 
John F. Murray, Manager, 270 West Broadway; I Madison 

Avenue. 

BELMONT ASSOCIATION. 

Emil Ginsburger, Architect, 729 Sixth Avenue; East 183d 
Street and Prospect Avenue. 

jDhn Robertson, Builder, Grand Avenue, near 184th Street ; 
Prospect Avenue, near 183d Street. 

Wm. H. Stonebridge, Real Estate, 951 East 184th Street. 

P. J. Limbacher, Painter, 2474 Cambreling Avenue; Fulton Ave- 
nue, near Pelham. 

Francis Heine, 926 East 183d Street. 

Chas. Schaefer, Clerk, Third Avenue, corner Tremont ; Pros- 
pect Avenue, near 183d Street. 

George Schrank, Grocer, Beaumont Avenue, corner Elast 183d 
Street; East 183d Street. 

UNIONPORT ASSOCIATION. 

M. A. Husson, Real Estate, Clason Point, Westchester. 

Henry Jarvis, Twelfth Street, Unionport. 

Martin Hoffman, Liquors, Avenue B and Tenth Street, Union- 
port. 

C. E. Lawrence, Painiter, Avenue D, corner Fourth Street, 
Unionport. 

Martin Dannenfelser, Insurance, Avenue C, Unionport 

Kasimer Lofink, Builder, Avenue A, near Seventh Street; Ave- 
nue B, Unionport. 

Henry Dannenfelser, Eleventh Street, Unionport. 

August H. Diehl, Avenue C, Unionport. 

WEST MORRISANIA CLUB. 

William Oliver, Secretary, 508 East i6oth Street ; College Ave- 
nue and 164th Street. 

A. Luhrs, 938 College Avenue ; College Avenue and 163d Street. 

T. J. Harrison, Roofer. 531 East 164th Street. 

Otto Marx, Painter, 940 Morris Avenue ; College Avenue and 
164th Street. 

Chas. Neus, 526 East 164th Street. 

J. B. LaTour, Jr., 836 Morris Avenue. 



WEST FARMS ASSOCIATION. 
John W. Bolton, Clerk, Tremont .Avenue and Bron.x Road; 1777 

West Farms Road. 
H. A. Gumbleton, Lawyer, corner Third Avenue and Tremont ; 

Longfellow Street and 176th Street. 
William Gill, Inspector, Third Avenue, comer Tremont Avenue ; 

2007 Vyse Avenue. 
Charles McCaffrey, 12S6 East 178th Street. 
Frank Byrne, 2044 Boston Road. 

WOODLAWN ASSOCIATION. 
J. C. Vrecland, Builder, corner East 239th Street, near Katuuah 

Avenue. 
J. B. Powers, Grand Avenue, Woodlawn. 
Michael Redmond, Contractor, 746 East 176th Street. 
Peter Celi, Monuments, East 233d Street, near Verio Street. 
Wm. A. Huntress, Real Estate, Woodlawn, Kingsbridge P. O. 

C. W. Schmidtke, 240th Street, near Verio Avenue. 

H. H. Schwarz, Superintendent, East 233d Street, Woodlawn. 
F. R. Dieting, 234th Street and Verio Avenue. 
J. H. Price, East 236th Street. 

WESTCHESTER ASSOCIATION. 

Fredk. Jackson. 

Aug. M. Fields, Deputy Commissioner, Third Avenue, corner 
Tremont Avenue. 

John H. Nichols, Publisher, West Farms Road, Westchester. 

Hon. Seward Baker, Lawyer, West Farms Road, Westchester. 

Rev. F. M. Clendennin, Westchester Avenue, corner Glebe Ave- 
nue. 

Alford W. Cooley, Lawyer, Main Street, Westchester. 

CITY ISLAND ASSOCIATION. 
Geo. E. Reynolds, Dentist, Main Street, City Island. 
Orrin I'". Fordham, Orchard Street, City Island. 
Howard L. Horton, Secretary, Main Street, City Island. 
William Anderson, Vet. Surgeon, Centre Street, City Island. 
John O. Fordham, Oyster Bay Avenue, City Island. 
Henry S. Pell, Real Estate, Main Street, City Island. 
Samuel S. Miller, Cigars, Main Street, City Island. 

PROPERTY OWNERS OF 167TH STREET AND VICINITY 
F. Reinschmidt, Tremont, corner Third Avenue; 1235 Simpson 

Street. 
.Tohn DeHart, Real Estate, 1039 Fox Street. 
/. Reinschmidt, Cutter, 1 169 Simpson Street; 1237 Simpson 

Street. 
J. Sherry, Civil Engineer, Third Avenue, corner Tremont ; Hall 

Place and 165th Street. 
P. T. Brady, Fitter, 718 Trinity Avenue; 713 Trinity Avenue. 
W. R. Bowman, Foreman, mo ILast 169th Street; Intervale 

Avenue and 169th Street. 
J. McSherry. Engineer, 1143 Intervale .Avenue. 

BEDFORD PARK ASSOCIATION. 

Hon. W. W. Niles, Bedford Park. 

J. J. Weeks, Cutter, Guiihill Road, near Decatur Avenue. 

H. R. Knopf, Musical Instruments, Decatur Avenue, near Scoti 

Street, Bedford Park. 
Louis Mink, Inspector, Hull Avenue, near Woodlawn Road ; 

Hull Avenue. 

D. A. McCormick, Signal Place, Bedford Park. 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 

Williamsbriilgi' ; 



J72 

Marcus D. Cash, Plumber, 221st Slrrci. 

Baiiibridge Avenue, Bedford Park. 
Hon. William Morris. 
P. J. McKinley. 

VAN NEST ASSOCIATION. 
.\ir. O'Brien, Conductor, Kinsella Avenue, Van .\esi. 
J. J. Dragnet, Prniler, Madison Street, Van Nest. 
A. G. Schellnian. Plumber, Van Nest. 
II. V. McCay, Gartield Street, Van Nest. 
Mr. Jacobs, Lincoln Street. 
.\!r. II. Dominische, Painter, Louise Street. 
William Peters, Real Estate, Morris Park Avenue. 

WESTCHESTER IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION. 
Dr. Michael E. Devlin. Teacher, Avenue B, corner iN'iiith Street, 

Unionport. 
Harry Harper, Manager, Guerlain Place. Westchester. 
Owen F. Dolan, P. O. Address Westchester. 
Andrew Brown, Real Estate, Lafayette Street, corner Railroad 

Avenue, Unionport. 
William Henderson, Superintendent, Throgg's Neck, Eastern 

Boulevard. 

BOROUGH CLUB, HIGH BRIDGE. 

Wm. Hennessey, 689 East 184th Street; Jessup Place, High 

Bridge. 
J. Harris Jones, Engineering, 560 West 151st Street; Ogden 

^^ venue. 
Fielding L. Marshall, Lawyer. Undercliff Avenue. 
Wm. G. Verplanck, Lawyer, 149 Broadway, New York City. 

D. A. McLeod, High Bridge. 

Cha.s. Hilton Brown. Lind Avenue, High Bridge. 

CASENOVA ASSOCIATION. 
F. Muhfield, 11 17 Dawson Street; Station R. 

E. Babcock, Commissioner, 720 East 167th Street; 1115 East 

iS6th Street, Station R. 
T. Kane, Carrier, 49 Kelly Street; Station R. 
H. W. Olpp, Manager, 1115 Dawson Street; Station R. 
R. Davis, Roofer, iiio Dawson Street; Station R. 

F. Doehle, 1194 Dawson Street; Station R. 

E. Camp, Treasurer, 1128 East 156th Street; 1128 East t56th 

Street. 

SPRINGHURST ASSOCIATION. 
W. M. Browne, Stenographer, Hunt's Point Road, near Spofford 

Street, Hunt's Point. 
James Nugent, Springhurst. 
Rudolph Hubbel, Springhurst. 
Francis J. Mackay, Springhurst. 
James Day, Sr., Foreman, Garrison Avenue. Burnett Place, 

Springhurst. 
John Ahearn, Sr., Springhurst. 

FORDHAM ASSOCIATION. 
Aug. Dreher, Engraver, 1950 Clinton Avenue. 
M. L. Stewart, Cordials, 461 Kingsbridge Road. 
W. J. Boyd, Undertaker, 777 Tinton Avenue. 
Henry W. Vogel, Surveyor, 321 East 190th Street. 
S. H. Mapes, Carpenter, Aqueduct Avenue, near Hampden 

Street. 
Mark Healy, Real Estate, 4220 Third Avenue. 
Philip J. Kearns, Treasurer and Contractor, Concourse, near 

East 183d Street. 
M. L. Cregson, Machines, 40 Kirkside Avenue. 



MORRIS HEIGHTS ASSOCIATION. 
Samuel McMillan, President, 731 Treniont Avenue; 
Fl eights. 



Morris 



TREMONT ASSOCIATION. 
Rufus R. Randall, Real Estate, 721 Tremont Avenue. 
W. T. Matthies, Lawyer, 741 Tremont Avenue. 
R. S. Guernsey, Lawyer, 171 1 Bathgate Avenue. 
W. W. Osborne, 1945 Washington Avenue ; Valentine .'vvenue. 
James Riley, Electrician, 1052 Fairmont Place ; Third Avenue 

and 175th Street. 
Wni. A. Cameron, Real Estate, 1001 Bathgate Avenue. 

IMPROVEMENT LEAGUE OF 44TH DISTRICl'. 

W. H. Keating, Real Estate. Wliite Plains Road and 226th 
Street, Williamsbridge. 

Dr. Geo. P. Shirmer, Williamsbridge. 

A. U. Mayer, Lawyer, Williamsbridge. 

Dr. Lucius W. How, Bronxwood Park, Williamsbridge. 

John Davidson, Superintendent, 227th Street, Williamsbridge. 
bridge. 

M. J. Mack, Surveyor, Adee Park, Williamsbridge. 

Francis Schackell, Photographer, Newell .Avenue, Williams- 
bridge. 

WAKEFIELD ASSOCIATION. 

John Jack, 235th Street. 

Albert Pearson, Manager, Matilda Street, near Demilt Avenue. 
Wakefield. 

Wm. P. McCarthy, Teacher, Fulton Street, Wakefield; Williams- 
bridge. 

Robert A. Nolan, Smith, 235th Street, Wakefield. 

J. H. Blumberg, Druggist, White Plains Road and Demilt Ave- 
nue. 

Rev. Dr. J. P.. Patterson, 2699 Decatur Avenue. 

.VYSE ESTATE ASSOCIATION. 
P. J. Stumpf, Coal, 1209 Hoe Street. 
A. H. Bauman, Clerk, 1296 Hoe Street. 
J. Blaesser, 1388 Vyse Avenue. 
D. H. Olmstead, Stable. 299 East F'ifty-second Street; 1219 East 

167th Street. 
W. C. Stephens, Police, Eighty-fifth Street and Si.xth Avenue, 

Williamsbridge; 1294 Hoe Street. 
Thomas Heatley, Jr., 1421 Bryant Street. 
C. C. Jorgensen, Builder, 1283 Hoe Street. 

FAIRMOUNT ASSOCIATION. 
C V. Hally. Manager, 1014 East l7Sth Street; E;ist 175th 

Street, Faimiount. 
Douglas Mathewson, Lawyer, 2085 Washington Avenue; Wash 

ington Avenue and 180th Street. 

MAPES ESTATE ASSOCIATION. 
P. A. Harnett, Commonwealth .'\venue. 
Chas. Donahue, Commonwealth Avenue. 
W. H. Parker, Clerk. 145 Rosedale Avenue. 
T. M. Harnett, Commonwealth Avenue. 
M. M. Briody. Foreman, 172 Conimonw^ealth Avenue. 
S. Rydell. Carpenter, West Farms Road. 

EAST TREMONT TAXPAYERS' ASSOCIATION. 
Chas. Forbach, 1919 Prospect Avenue. 
C. McCrae, 1034 East 180th Street. 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



173 



J. VV. Campbell, Real Estate, 2003 Hoslon Road; West Farms 

Square. 
Geo. Dennerlein, .\gcnt, I79tli Street, near Honeywell Avenue; 

2036 Honeywell Avenue. 
1 hos. Jones, Builder, 2130 Mapes Avenue. 
Jno. Vogel, 1197 East 178th Street. 
C. A. McCrea, 1034 East i8oth Street. 
H. Mahnkin, Electrician, i8ist Street and Muhegan .\venuc. 

HUGHES AVENUE ASSOCIATION. 
E. C. O'Gorman, Artist, 2167 Hughes Avenue. 

E. J. i aroff. 

Mr. KIces, Patent Medicines. 21(12 Hughes .Vvcnue. 

Mr. Habermann, E.xpress, 1579 Bathgate .Avenue ; 1 remont P. 

H. Heany. Real Estate, 770 Tremont Avenue. 

J. J. Sheridan, Clerk, 983 East 170th Street. 

Mr. Rhing. 

ONEILL ESTATE ASSOCIATION. 
.■Mbert Belling, Clerk, 177th Street, near Westchester .A.venue. 

F. Frankenberg, Carpenter, 178th Street, near Watson Street; 

178th Street and Bronx Park. 
Theo. Berge, 178th Street and Bron.x Park Avenue. 

EAST MORRISANIA PROPERTY OWNERS' ASSOCIA- 
TION. 
William G. Watter, 518 Wales Avenue. 
Hennaiui Justa, Piano Maker, 452 Wales Avenue. 
Peter Freiss, 536 Union Avenue. 
Anthony McOwen, Builder, 515 Wales Avenue. 

KINGSBRIDGE ASSOCIATION. 

H. H. Browne, Clerk, Custom House, Sedgwick and Boston 
Avenues. 

James H. Kiernan, Clerk, 1005 Crotona Avenue, Kingsbridge. 

,\. S. Hutchins, Lawyer, 253 West loist Street. 

C. R. Meyer, Surveyor. Woodlawn Road and Decatur Avenue. 

Richard Alexander. Real Estate, Marble Hill. Kingsbridge; mem- 
ber of Real Estate Spr., City of New York. 

I'hos. D. Tighe, 15 Gouverneur Place. 

THROGGS NECK ASSOCIATION. 
James B. Kelly. Carpenter. Elliott Avenue, near Eastern Boule- 
vard. Throgg's Neck. 
William Henderson. Jr., Builder, Eastern Boulevard. 
F. VV". Jackson, Throgg's Neck. 
S. Duncan Marshall, Country Club, Throgg's Neck. 
William Cokely, Throgg's Neck. 

FOX ESTATE .VND VICINITY. 
Jnlm Stevens, Piano Maker, 37^1, College Avenue; 1372 Stebbins 

Avenue. 
Thns. Riley. Carpenter, 2372 Wilkins Place.- 



Otto Vogei, 1310 Stebbins .\venue. 

Geo. Waller, 1385 Bristow Street. 

Nic. W. Ryan, Contractor, 1444 Boston Avenue. 

Jos. Parley, Real Estate, 1396 Boston Avenue. 

Jas. Tailer, 1068 Jennings Street.. 

1'. E. Grace and Wm. Butler, cx-ofticio members. 

James Moore, 1166 Simpson Street. 

J. J. Sailer, Cambreling Avenue and E^st i8oth Street. 

J. Morrow, 1325 Bristow Street. 

PROIECTIVE ASSOCIAilON, MAPES ESTATE 
P. H. McDonough, St Lawrence Avenue. 
C. .\. Rochell, 61 St. Lawrence Avenue. 
J(lni Riesenniacher, St. Lawrence Avenue. 
John Slater. Commonwealth Avenue and West Farms Road 
J. W. Unever. St. Lawrence Avenue. 
E. Mayer, Commonwealth Avenue. 
Michael Carey, St. Lawrence .\venue. 



The Twenty-third Ward Property Owners' Association is 
another one of the progressive civic bodies of the Bronx. Com- 
posed of the foremost citizens of the lower sections of the bor- 
ough, it watched with a scrutinizing eye every move that has 
tended to enhance the growth of the Bronx. While it has 
striven earnestljy for every measure that would tend to benefit 
the masses, it has shown a bitter opposition to that which would 
benefit a few at the expense of the masses. 

The Itnproxenient League of the Forty-fourth .Vldernianic 
District is another of the prominent property owners' associa- 
tions that has proven of great benefit to the territory in which 
it is located. Being within the zone where the greatest public 
improvements are destined to take place, it has proven a bulwark 
against the rapaciousness of those who would gloat in the prac- 
tical extinction of the humble citizen for the benefit of the more 
aflfluent. The gallant fight it made on the map question, saving 
thousands of property owners from practical confiscation of their 
holdings, its long and unwearied fight on the White Plains 
avenue widening ; its advocacy of the laying out of several wide 
streets from Webster avenue east to the Sound as the preliminary 
to systematic sewer construction proves conclusively that it has 
the interests of the people in that section at stake. 

It is indeed a cheering sight when property owners are 
seen to combine as one man in the urging of needed improve- 
ments or the opposing of schemes for the enrichment of a few 
at the expense of the many. "In union there is strength" has 
had a striking illustration in the gathering together of the peo- 
ple in the various sections in order to have a voice in public 
matters, and is sufficient guarantee that the citizenship of the 
Bronx is fully alive to its duties, and that the future of the 
borough is no uncertain quantity in political economics. 




CHAPTER XXXIX 



THE ASSOCIATION OF THE BAR, IN THE BOROUGH OF THE BRONX, IN THE CITY OF 

NEW YORK 



By H. Gerald Chapin, Professor of Law, Fordham University, Editor " The American Lawyer," Law Editor 
"The American Banker" and "The Business Man's Magazine," Etc. 



"Let our alliance be combined, 

Our best friends made, and our best means stretch'd out ; 

And let us presently go sit in council. 

How covert matters may be best disclosed 

And open perils surest answered." 

— Shakespeare. 

To the situation of this borough which, anomalous among the 
five units comprising New York City, is deprived of advantages 
flowing from a separate county government, must largely be 
ascribed the late development of the esprit de corps, which 
manifests itself in the formation of bar associations. Where 
the courts are, there will the lawyers be found, and possessmc; 
none but an interior tribunal to which resort might be ha 1, 
many members of our bar found it pretcable to establish their 
offices within the proverbial "stones throw of the Americn 
"Salle des pas perdus" in City Ha'l Park. It is therefore in no 
wise surprising that the "Associati m of the Bar of the Borough 
of the Bronx in tlie City of New York," to give its official 
title, should date its existence only from the year 1902. 

In the spring of that year a meeting was held in the otficc 
of Seward Baker, at which the organization of the new body 



was perfected. From the first the movement was successful. 
Fifty-one charter members* signed the roll, the association was 
incorporated, well appointed rooms were secured, and equipped 
with an excellent working library. 

Article II of the Constitution shows us the objects which 
the organizers had in view. They are. it is declared, "to bring 
ii!lo closer union the members of the bar residing in the Borough 
of the Bronx, to increase their power of maintaining the honor 
and dignity of the profession, and their efficiency in the ad- 
ministration of justice, and to cultivate social intercourse among 
itj menibeis, particularly with a view of securing for the Bor- 
ough of the Bronx its due recognition and representation in 
legal matters pertaining to this borough, and in which, as a 
borough, we are especially and particularly interested, and to 
secure and maint;iin a library for the use of its members." 

Respecting qualifications for membership, a fraternal policy 
was adopted. lAthough the association was formed by Bronx 
lawyers and in a sense is local, it is nevertheless declared by 
Article III that "any person in good standing who is a member 
of the bar residing or practicing in the City of New York, may 



*The following comprise the charter members : 
Allen, Augustus H., Southern Bojlevard, Bedford Park. 
Andrews, W. Edson, 729 Tremont .^veiuie. 
Baker, Seward, Westchester, New Y'ork City. 
Bergman, Robert H., 571 East is6th Street. 
Berry, Joseph I., 2543 Valentine Avenue. 
Brady, John J., 2395 Valentine Avenue. 
Breen, Matthew P., 308 Alexander Avenue 
Brown, Chris. Hilton, 167th Street and Lind Avenue. 
Butts, Arthur C, 1004 Trinity Av:nue. 
Chapin, H. Gerald. East 149th Street and Bergen Avenue. 
Clarke, George W. M., 165th Street and Clay Avenue. 
Clocke, T. Emory, 11 99 Boston Road. 
Cohalan, John P., 982 Macy Place. 
Cooley, Alford Warriner, Westchester, N. Y. 
Davis Henry K., 164th Street and College Avenue 
Davis, John, 539 East 143d Street. 
Dunn, John P., ig2d Street and Creston Avenue. 
Eustis, John E., Morris Heights. 
Friedmann, Hermann G., 31 Nassau Street. 
Furthman, Charles A., 285 .Mexander wenue. 
Gumbleton, Henry A., 1280 Woodruff Street. 
Hall, Ernest, 1039 Boston Road. 
Hallock, Charles P., 2087 Boston Road. 
Hildredth, J. Homer, 606 East 136th Street. 
Hottenroth, Adolph C, Mosholu Parkway and Decatur Avenue. 



Hottenroth, Frederick W., 981 Jrrospect .Avenue. 

Knoepple, Harold C, 543 East 139th Stref. 

Knox, Arthur, 478 Mote Avenue. 

Mathewson, Douglas, 765 Tremont Avenue 

Matthies, .v'illiam T., 2001 Anthony Avenue. 

Millard, Charles W., 25 Broad Street. 

Millard. William J., 1585 Washington Avenue. 

Miller, Cyrus C, Aqueduct Avenue, University Heights. 

Miner, E. Daniel, 1150 Forest Avenue. 

Mitchell, Richard H., 1216 Washington Avenue. 

Niles, Wm. W., Woodlawn Road, .Bedford Park. 

O'Ryan, John F., 1043 Boston Road. 

Overington, Harry, 2706 Third Avenue. 

Pierce, Wm. H., 1865 Monroe Avenue. 

Power, Timothy, Silver Street, Westcheste- 

Purroy, Henry D. (Deceased). 

Salter, A. Oldrin, Creston Avenue and I9i<l Street. 

Sherman, Henry H.. 1006 Trinity Avenue. 

Smith, W. Stebbins. Brook Avenue, near 163d Street. 

Steinmuller, Geo. A., t78th Street and Concourse 

Talmage, John B., 294 Willis Avenue. 

Van Doren; Louis O., 295 Alexander Avenue. 

Wahle, Charles G. F., 1239 Franklin Avenue. 

Warner, Wilfred H., 183d Street and Loring Place. 

Weiffenbach, George W., 31 East 130th Street. 

Wray, Stephen, 1883 Vyse Street. 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



175 



become a member by vote of the association on recommendation 
of the Committee on Membership, as herein provided, on sub- 
scribing to this constitution and paying the admission fee and 
dues herein provided. Members of the Bar of the State of New 
York, in good standing, may also become members of this asso- 
ciation, though not residing or practicing in the City of New 
York, and have all the privileges of the same, except that of 
voting." 

Monthly meetings are held (except during the summer), 
which rarely adjourn without the discussion and adoption 
of some plan for the advancement of the borough's interest. 
Two matters deserve special mention. The association has per- 
sistently urged the immediate erection of a court house in the 
Bronx. In this respect its efforts have been crowned with 
success, since the work of construction is now going forward 
upon the new building at i6ist Street and Third Avenue. 

The second project undertaken is as yet uncompleted. At 
three sessions of the Legislature a bill prepared by a committee 
of the association has been introduced, which if passed, will 
operate to erect the Borough of the Bronx into a separate county, 
equipping it with all the machinery of justice which such an 
entity enjoys. Having committed itself to the measure with a 
full realization of its importance, a campaign of education will 
continue to be waged until autonomy is secured. 

Nor must it be forgotten that it was the Bar Association 
which secured proper local representation among the city magis- 
trates. Three such judicial officers living in this borough, 
qualified to accept bail (Hon. Matthew P. Breen, Hon. Seward 
Baker, Hon. Charles G. F. VVahle^. have been appointed. 
Thus the manifest hardship of requiring all persons arrested in 
a community of over three hundred thousand, to avail themselves 
of rights constitutionally secured only at needless expense of time 
and travel, has been removed. 



While the Legislature is in session, a careful examination is 
made of proposed legislation and such bills as involve matters 
of interest to the profession, or affect the welfare of the borough, 
are reported by the Committee on Amendment of the Law, to the 
association for action. 

W. Stebbins Smith, the first president, having been elected 
unanimously for three successive years, retired in 1905, and the 
office was tilled by J. Homer Hildreth at the annual meeting in 
January of that year. In igo6 Mr. Hildreth succeeded himself, 
having again been the choice of all the members. 

The first secretary, Charles P. Hallock (now one of the 
vice-presidents, the other being Arthur C. Butts^ after likewise 
serving three successive terms, retired and the position is now 
held by Henry K. Davis. Augustus H. Allen, the first treasurer, 
was succeeded by Wilfred H. Warner. 

There are four permanent committees, which at the present 
time are composed of the following members : 

E.xecutive — Louis O. Van Doren, Ernest Hall, John J. Brady, 
Adolph C. Hottenroth. 

On Membership — Douglas Malhewson, W. Stebbins Smith, 
Stephen Wray, Peter A. Hatting. 

On Amendment of Law — William E. Morris, H. Gerald 
Chapin, John P. Cohalan, Michael J. Sullivan. 

Grievance — William T. Matthies. George A. SteinmuUer, 
Weeks W. Culver, Charles A. Furthman. 

The association now carries upon its rolls the names of eighty- 
one members of the bar, nearly all of whom reside within the limits 
of this borough. Though comparatively young in years, it has 
been productive of much good and to it the citizens of the Bronx 
are measurably indebted. If sincerity of purpose and earnestness 
of effort count for aught, it is destined to a career of usefulness 
and honor.* 



*Since the charter roll was signed, the following have been 
admitted : 

Amend, Alfred J., 1230 Tinton Avenue. 
Barnard, E. L., 15 William Street. 
Bell, Hal, Morris Heights. 
Culver, Weeks W., 614 Ean 138th Street. 
Earley, Cornelius J., 680 East 136th Street. 
Eckley, Earnest R., 377 East 176th Street. 
Frey, Gustave, 3391 Third Avenue. 
Friess, Louis G., Woodycrest Avenue and 163d Street. 
Gaynor, James Edward, Bailey Avenue, Kingsbridge. 
Goodhue, Isaac W., i6oth Street, near Park Avenue. 
Griffin, Anthony J., 803 Cauldwell Avenue. 
Hatting, Peter A., 592 East 141st Street. 
Hennessy, Joseph P., 1265 Boston Road. 
Henning, Arthur A., Clinton Avenue, near 179th Street. 



Hynes, John J., 181 Broadway. 

Josephson, Max D., 2031 Valentine Avenue. 

Kelly, Francis X., 265 Broadway. 

Ketchum, E. Van Rensselaer, Woodycrest Ave. and 165th St. 

I.angbein, J. C. Julius, 302 Broadway. 

Levin, Louis H., 967 Cauldwell Avenue. 

Love, George A., 630 East 149th Street. 

McLaughlin, J. Fairfax, Jr., Pelham Ave., near Lorillard Plac 

Morris, William E., 2780 Pond Place. 

Morrison, Archie B., 684 E^st 143d Street. 

Scanlan, Michael J., 49 Cham'bers Street 

Schulz, (Jeorge M. S., 38 Park Row. 

Schaeffler, Frank, Grote Street and Cambreling Avenue. 

Scoville, Addison B., 765 Tremont Avenue. 

Sullivan, Michael J., 148th btreet and Third Avenue. 






. 'j^ES^^^^^i 




^<^^^^ ,^^^1 
-^^^^1 

^^^H 

^^^H 




■ 



HON. CHARLES C. F. WAHLE 



CHAPTER XL 



REPRESENTATIVES OF THE BAR 



Some of the Prominent Members of the Legal Fraternity of the Bronx 



HON. CHARl.LiS G. V. WAIIl.l'; \\:is linni in New 
>ork City on Marcli J4, i8(i(). Ills fatlur was (.'ail L>. I'". 
W'alllo, a veteran i<{ Ihc Ci\il \Va\-. well known in (liimni 
veteran circles in New Vurk City, lie attcntUd the public 
schools, the College of the City of New York ami the University 
Law School. He read law in the office of l^redenck 11. Metis, at 
one time a partner of former Secretary of the Na\y, William 
C. Whitney, and was later admitted to the har. In 1890 Mayor 
Grant appointed him School Inspector I'nr ihe h'll'.li Inspection 
District of the City of New 'I'ork. lie led the llisi liyhi for the 
introduction of electric lighting in schools in his disiiict in the 
City of New York, succeeding in calling to his assistance such 
men as Charles F. Chandler, the late Professor Morion, of the 
Stevens Institute of Technology, ihi.if. Cross, of the Massachn- 
setts Institute of Technology of I'.oslon, Vviii. kieeinan, of Wash- 
ington, and others. In l8yi he was app'jinted one ol the (.oni- 
niissioners of Accounts of the City of New York l>y Mayo; Grant, 
the salary of the otiticc being $5,000; he was at the time jnsi J5 
years of age, and so far as the records of the City of New ^'ork 
show, was the youngest man who was ever the executive lieail ol 
one of the numicipal departments of the City of New York, lie 
was re-appointed to ihe ol'tice by Mayor Gilroy. During his m- 
ruMiheiicy of Ihe olliee of C'->innussioner of Accounts, he con- 
fluctoil a pidilie in\estigalion intcJ the accounts and luelbods of 
the Park Department, and succeeded in e.\|)osing a corrupt .sys- 
tem of management in various branches of the park system, 
which resulted in the enforced resignation of many of the super- 
intendents, and the flight from the city of the chief gardener, 
ilic reforms which have since been instituted in the Park De- 
partment, are the result of that administration. He was the 
secretary of the committee having in charge the Columbian cele- 
bration in tlie City of New York, and was appointed by Mayor 
Gilroy a member of the committee to represent the city at the 
Manhattan Day celebration at the Chicago celebration. He is 
a member of the Bar Association of the City of New York, the 
Society of Medical Jurisprudence, Tammany Society and .\na- 
wanda Club. He is the chairman of the Executive Committee 
of the German Democracy of the City of New York, and had 
charge of the recent Democratic political campaign among Ger- 
mans in the City of New York. He is also a member of the 
Licdcrkranz, of which organization he has been one of the board 
of directors and trustee, of the German Press Club, of which 
organization he was for many years the chairman of the finance 
committee, the German Scientific Society of New York, and 
other German social and charitable organizations. He was one 
of the counsel who successfully appeared for the executive com- 
mittee of Tammany Hall in its fight to exclude William S. 
Devcry from that body, is vice-chairman of the executive com- 
millcc nf Tamiuany llall, one of the vice-presidents of the Gen 



end Coiumittee of Tammany llall for Ihe Thirty-fifth Assembly 
District, and one of the vicc-picsidents of the Jefferson Tammany 
Club of the Thirty-fifth .\s-enibiy District. In addition to 'bis, 
in matters local to the Bronx, he is a nuniher of the Sehnorer 
Club, North Side Board of irade, i'.;ir Association of ihe 
Bronx, a vestryman of the Protestant p4iiscopaI Church of llu- 
Holy I-'aith, president of thj General Church Club of the I', i;. 
Church in ihe I'.ionx, and is a member of other organizations. 
Mr. W'ahle was married to Miss Morence Katberine P.udil, of 
Sag llarbor, who. with lleir f^iur ehildnn oecniiy .1 handsome 
home at 1239 I'r.iiiklin \\eiiiir. (hi the is| of May. loo,^, he 
was appointed a Cny .Ma.ui^li ale ol Ihe Cily of New ^'o^k. for 
Ihe hirst Division. 

HON. Si':W7\.KD I'.AKKR.— Judge Baker's sloiy is one 
which Ihe iioor. .•ispiriii,n youth, dependent on his own rewarded 
elTorls, may lake lo heart. He is a shining CNaiuple o: 
what may he accon'|phshcd bj' industry and persisteney, lie is 








w 



JUDGE SEWARD 



country born and.raised. He hails from Clove, Uulehess t'omuv. 
There he first saw the light, December 30, 1S5.3. His larly op 
porlunities were limited. His education was received in the 
public schools of Poughkeepsic and his first employment was .is 
clerk in a law office. From that he carved his way to a hisjh 
place in the profession, not without difficulty and sacrifice, 
however. He studied law wdiilc engaged in the offices of Milton 
.\. Fowler and later John Hasket's, and was admitted to practice 




JUDGE MATTHEW P. EREEN 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



179 



in Brooklyn in the 70' s. Even then he was obliged to stick to his 
clerical employment in the daytime, while he attended to his 
clients as he could, at night. He spent over nine lyears in 
Poughkeepsie and other places, thus slowly making his way. 
Then he removed to the Bronx in 1885, and between a daylight 
practice in New York and an evening practice in Westchester 
Village, managed to forge ahead. His strenuous efforts at last 
began to bear fruit ; gradually he attained recognition and stand- 
ing, so that the old sacrifices were no longer necessary. Eventu- 
ally he came to be one of the most distinguished practitioners 
hereabouts. He has been attorney for the Dock Board and was 
appointed judge in 1903. He is a Republican in politics and a 
member of the Republican Club of the City of New York and of 
the Bronx, and the Bar Association of the City of New York. 
He belongs also to the Bronx Board of Trade, the Dutchess 
County Club of New York and other organizations. He is 
chiefly devoted, however, to his official duties and to his home. 
He married, October 25, 1876, Miss Helena C. Anthes, of Pough- 
keepsie. They have one child, Mrs. James Elgar of the Bronx. 

MATTHEW P. BREEN, one of our city magistrates, is 
an old resident of the Bronx. He has been identified for a 
number of years past with the progess of this section of the 
city, in several capacities, public and private. One of his best 
achievements was laying the foundation of our magnificent park 
system. That he is the author of this splendid system is not 
open to question. The legislative records establish that fact. 

The history of the public parks of the Bronx is sufficiently 
interesting to warrant a brief synopsis from authentic sources. 

Mr. Breen was elected to the State Assembly of 1882, repre- 
senting substantially what is now the Bronx, but then popu- 
larly known as the Annexed District, constituting the Twenty- 
fourth Assembly District, and embracing the Twenty-third and 
Twenty-fourth Wards of the city. It had, at that time, a popu- 
lation of about fifty thousand. 

In introducing the following resolution in the Assembly, 
for the creation of our parks, and which was successfully car- 
ried through by Mr. Breen, it will be observed that the author 
of the resolution then made a prediction which has since been 
amply fulfilled. 

In the Assembly Journal of 1882, pages 135-141 (Legislative 
Session of February 14, 1882), will be found this important 
record : 

"Mr. Breen offered for the consideration of the House a 
resolution in the words following: 

"Whereas, that portion of the City of New York known 
as the Annexed District, comprising the Twenty-third and 
Twenty-fourth Wards, affords unusual facilities for the con- 
struction of public parks and it is desiialilf in anticipation of tlie 
growth and wants of a great city, that a suitable location be 
selected for the same, while yet land is unimproved and can be 
purchased for a comparatively small sum of money; and 

"Whereas, the history of public parks demonstrates that 
they are not only the great preservers of the health and vigor 
of communities, but largely enhance the value of real estate in 
their vicinity, thus at once benefitting the owners and bringing 
an increased income to the public treasury; and 

"Whereas, while there exists a general desire for the con- 
struction of public parks in said district, a large difference of 
opinion has arisen as to the most desirable location for the 
same; 

"Therefore, in order that this Assembly may be fully ad- 
vised as to the necessity, proper location and extent of the same, 
in the light of information derived from those most intimately 



acquainted with the topography and characteristics of said dis- 
trict, be it 

"Resolved, that the Mayor, the Commissioner of Public 
Works, ;he President of the Board of Aldermen and the Presi- 
dent of the Department of Taxes and Assessments of the City 
of New York be and they are hereby appointed and named as 
a special commission to inquire into the subject of the advisa- 
bility of public parks for said district and that portion of West- 
chester County adjacent to said district, and they are hereby 
empowered to send for such persons and papers, without ex- 
pense to the State, as they or a majority of them may deem 
proper for the purpose of inquiry and investigation in relation 
to the foregoing matters, and that they report in writing to this 
Assembly, within thirty days after the passage of this reso- 
lution, their conclusions: 

"First. As to the necessity and advisability of the proposed 
parks. 

"Second. In relation to the best location, extent and prob- 
able cost of the same. 

"Third. Regarding any other facts or recommendations in 
connection with the subject, to aid this Assembly to frame such 
legislation as will best serve the welfare and interests of the 
people of the City of New York and adjacent districts." 

The above resolution was carried by a vote of the House, 
and a certified copy thereof was transmitted to the Mayor of the 
City of New York and his associates on said commission. 

The commission reported its conclusions to the Assembly 
on April 4, 1882, to be found in Assembly Document No. 67, 
(Session of April 5, 1882) : 

"Report of the commission appointed in relation to public 
parks in the Twenty-third and Twenty-fourth Wards of the 
City of New York, and portions of Westchester County. 

"New York, April 4, 1882. 
"To the Honorable, the Assembly of the State of New York: 

"Gentlemen — The commission appointed by your Honorable 
Body to report as to the advisability of public parks for the 
Annexed District, comprising the Twenty-third and Twenty- 
fourth Wards of the City of New York, and that portion of 
Westchester County adjacent to said District, beg to report that, 
in their opinion, it would be desirable to lay out a park or parks 
in the Twenty-third and Twenty-fourth Wards of the City of 
Xew York and adjacent district, but that the time given for 
the examination of the matter is entirely inadequate to enable 
them to form any fixed opinion as to where the proposed park 
or parks should be located, or what the cost of the property to be 
required would be. 

"The commission is further of opinion that whatever park 
or parks might be established in the Twenty-third and Twenty- 
fourth Wards or adjacent territory, should be established only 
in case the property could be secured at a moderate valuation 
and the adjoining owners would be willing to submit to an 
assessment for a fair proportion of the cost of acquiring the 
land in the shape of an assessment for improvements. 

"The commission further recommend that in case the in- 
habitants of that portion of Westchester County, which lies be- 
tween the Twenty-third and Twenty-fourth Wards and Long 
Island Sound should desire annexation to the City of New York, 
the matter is worthy the consideration of the Legislature in 
connection with the question of parks. 

(Signed) W. R. GRACE, 
Mayor. 

HUBERT O. THOMPSON, 
Commissioner of Public Works. 



180 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



WILLIAM SAUER, 

President Board of Aldermen. 

THOMAS B. ASTEN, 

President Dept. Taxes and Assessments." 

It will be seen that by this official report of its chief officers, 
the City cf New York became committed to the proposition in 
favor of parks. 

Mr. Biecn, however, did not stop at this. Having gained 
this vantage ground, he subsequently offered another resolution 
of a similar character (also to be found in the legislative rec- 
ords), appointing a committee of five members of the Assembly 
to proceed to the annexed district, to examine into the subject 
and report their conclusions. On this comtnittee Mr. Breen 
served as chairman, one of his associates being Theodore 
Roosevelt, then serving his first ternj in the Assembly. This 
committee's expenses were paid by the State. With stenogra- 
pher, sergeant-at-arms and other officials, the committee came 
into our territory, and accompanied by many prominent men, 
they visited several sections, including the ones now occupied by 
Van Cortlandt, Crotona, Bronx and Pelham Bay parks. 

The committee made three separate visits to our district and 
finally made its report to the Assembly, strongly favoring the 
project of public parks. 

Following these proceedings, Mr. Breen introduced a bill 
appointing another commission to select and locate; for we find, 
at page 1464 of the Assembly Journal, this record: 

"Mr. Breen offered for the consideration of the House 
a resolution in the following words: 

"Resolved, that Assembly Bill No. 808, entitled 'An Act 
for the appointment of commissioners to select and locate lands 
for public parks and a parade ground in the Twenty-third and 
Twenty-fourth Wards of the City of New York and in the 
vicinity thereof,' now on the order of third reading, have now 
its third reading." 

The speaker put the question whether the House would 
agree to said resolution and it was determined in the affirma- 
tive. 

These reports and the bills based thereon formed the ground- 
work for the legislation of the years 1883 and 1884, whereh} 
the public parks of the Bronx were established. The expen^(■ 
of this work, however, was paid in full by the city, without 
assessment on adjoining owners, as suggested by the first com- 
mission, headed by Mayor Grace. Perhaps it was this sug- 
gestion of assessment on adjoining owners that induced Mi. 
Breen to form another legislative commission with fpore just 
and liberal views. 

It IS remarkable that Theodore Roosevelt, who to-day 13 
the central figure in the civilized world, was one of the pro- 
jectors of the system of public parks in the Bronx, including 
its Zoological and Botanical Gardens, destined to be the greatest 
in the world. 

If Judge Breen did nothing else, the establishment of the 
parks should entitle him to the gratitude of the people of the 
Bronx. But he has other things to be recorded to his credit. 
We like to keep strictly to records. It relieves of any sus- 
picion of being over-partial. Every man is entitled to his rec- 
ord — if it he bad, he must bear the brunt ; if it be good, fair 
play demands that it shall be so recorded. 

We will not go into details of what Judge Breen did, sut)- 
sequently, in connection with other worthy men, to rescue the 
district from misrule under the old Park Department, and the 
establishment of the Department of Street Improvements and 
the election ot Louis J. Heintz. 



We think tlial the reproduction of the following resolution, 
presented to him in 1890, tells, in a concrete form, the complete 
story: 

"At a meeting of the joint committee of the several tax- 
payers' associations of the Twenty-third and Twenty-fourth 
Wards of the City of New York, held at headquarters, 163d 
Street, near Third Avenue, on Friday evening, December 12, 
1890, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted ; 

"Resolved, that the thanks of this committee be and the 
same are hereby most heartily tendered to the Hon. Matthew P. 
Breen, the attorney and counsel of the joint committtee of the 
several taxpayers' associations of the Twenty-third and Twentj- 
fourth Wards for the exceedingly laborious and efficient services, 
gratuitously rendered by him, during the last two years on be- 
half of 'The People's Bill,' creating the office of Commissioner 
of Street Improvements of the Twenty-third and Twenty-fourth 
Wards, in intelligently presenting the complaints and grievances 
of our residents and skillfully conducting the examination of 
the same before the Special Committee of the State Senate 
charged with the investigation of our local affairs, in the thought- 
ful preparation of the necessary legal measures for introduction 
in both branches of the State Legislature, and in ably advocating 
the same before the standing committees of that body and be- 
fore the Governor. 

"Resolved, that we cheerfully record the fact that the suc- 
cessful enactment of 'The People's Bill,' a measure so essential 
to the progress and welfare of this portion of our city, is largely 
diK' t;> ,he uiidaunlt'd courage, zealous perseverance, skillful man- 
agement and patriotic motives of Hon. Matthew P. Breen, and 
that his course in the matter is worthy of the highest commenda- 
lion. 

"Resolved, that these resolutions be suitably engrossed and 
presented to Mr. Breen, and that a copy of the same be furnished 
to the press of the city. 

LOUIS J. HEINTZ, Chairman. 
JAMES L. WELLS, Treasurer. 
JOHN OSBORN, JR., Secretary." 

These resolutions were presented to Mr. Breen, who had 
declined to accept a fee of five thousand dollars for these public 
services, which was subscribed for him by the persons interested 
in the above movement. 

The joint committee of the taxpayers' associations above 
referred to was composed of the following well known gentle- 
men; Louis J. Heintz, James L. Wells, Matthew P. Breen, 
Hugh N. Camp, John Clatlin. John H. Knoeppel, James R. 
Angel, Ferdinand Bolimcr, Jr., Louis Eickwort, B. R. Guion. 
Jolm Cotter. W. 11. Schott, Louis A. Risse, Arthur C. Butts, 
John Eichler, W. H. Carpenter, A. F. Schwannecke, Henry 
Bracken, Jolin Osljorn, Jr., John N. Einra, Richard D. Hamil- 
ton, Adolph Hupfel, John Haffen, Charles Jones, William Eb- 
ling, William G. McCrea, Gustavus A. Robitzek, C. H. Woehl- 
ing, John McMahon, George Chappell. 

Judge Breen was born in County Clare, Ireland, on Decem- 
ber 4, 184s, the son of an eminent civil engineer. He was edu- 
cated in the Royal University of Dublin and in i866 came to 
New York, where he entered the law office of Hon. Hamilton 
W. Robinson, late Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas. 
In due time he was admitted to the bar and in 1871 opened an 
office of his own. He soon secured a large and profitable clien- 
tage. Early in his career he became interested in politics as » 
Democrat of independent and anti-boss proclivities and was 
one of the Committee of One Hundred which organized the 
County Democracy of 1880, and which proved to be a formidable 
rival of Tammany, yet he continued to be the personal friend of 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



i8l 



John Kelly, the Tammany leader of those days. For six years 
he filled the office of chairman of the School Board of the Sev- 
enth Ward. 

In 1890 after long and carefnl research, Judge Breen pub- 
lished a large volume entitled "Thirty Years of New York 
Politics." 

It is a coherent study of political doings in this city from the 
rise of the Tweed ring to the present day. Written with assured 
authority of personal observation and knowledge, it reveals in 




JUDGE JOHN M. TlEkNEY 

a most interesting manner the interior workings of the "ma- 
chines" under the direction of Wm. M. Tweed, John Kelly and 
Richard Croker. It has had an extensive circulation and seems 
assured of permanent rank among records and studies of munici- 
palities. 

Judge Breen is married and has six cliildren. He resides 
in the Bronx and has a handsome summer home at Sea Gate, 
New York Harbor. 

HON. JOHN M. TIERNEV.— As resident of the borough 
from boyhood, and the incumbent of a position keeping him 
much in the public eye, our subject may certainly claim a very 
considerable measure of distinction in this locality. He has been 
Justice of the Municipal Court of the City of New York, Second 
District of the Bronx, smce January i, 1898, which office, it is 
agreed on all sides, he has administered since with good judg- 
ment and sound sense, as well as knowledge of the law, conscien- 
tiously and capably. Judge Tierney was born in the City of 
New York October 14. i85o. He came to the Bronx to live in 
1869. As a youth he attended the public schools and was an 
apt and diligent pupil. He studied law in the office of Erastus 
New, of New York, and was admitted to practice the profession, 
after the customary examination, in 1882, soon after he had 



attained his majority. He is a Democrat and drifted into pub- 
lic life early. He has been Associate Counsel of the Fire De- 
partment, and Counsel also for the Department of Buildings. 
He is president of the Jefferson Tammany Club, and a member 
of the Tammany Society, Democratic, Fordham, and Tallapoosa 
Clubs. He belongs, of course, to the Bar Association of the 
Bronx; also to the North Side Board of Trade and Taxpayers' 
.Alliance ; also to the Schnorer Club, that famous Bronx social 
organization, and the Brownson Club ; also to the Friendly 
Sons of St. Patrick, the Knights of Columbus, Friends of Erin 
.-^iud Bronx Lodge, No. 871, B. P. O. E. Judge Tierney is a 
man of family. He was married February 12, 1889, to Miss 
Frances J. Kennedy. They have one child, Frances Henrietta, 
born August 31, 1891. 

WALL.'\CE S. ERASER, well known as an attorney of 
standing and importance in New York, has his home at No. 570 
East i4Sth Street in the Bronx, and there, as a resident for five 
years or more, takes an active interest and part in public mat- 
ters. Mr. Fiaser was born in New York at No. 255 Second 
Street. November 20, 1856. Fie comes from an old Knicker- 
bocker familv. and is a descendant of David Van Arsdale of 




WALLACE S. FRASER 

Revolutionary fame, who on the historic evacuating day hauled 
down the British flag in New York City and replaced it with 
the American endjlein. When a boy, Mr. Eraser attended the 
public schools in the section of the city in which he was born, 
and graduated therefrom in 1873 at the age of seventeen. Then 
desiring to learn the plumbing business he entered the employ 
of Alfred Ivcrs, whose place of business was vv'here the Metro- 
]:olitan Life Building is now, the same in which he, Mr. Eraser 
himself, has his suite of offices. A year or so later in 1874, he 
entered the law office of his father, Charles Eraser, a highly re- 





HON. WILLIAM MC CREA 



HON. RICHARD N. ARNOW 





HON ARTHUR C. BUTTS 



WILLIAM STEBBINS SMITH 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



183 



spected practitioner of that era, locrited at No. 124 Bowery, in 
the Butchers and Drovers' Bank Building. His certificate as law 
clerk was otfidally filed November 6, 1874. In this capacity he 
continued, except for some months of illness, many years. He 
was law clerk under his father until Che latter's death in 1887, 
and was managing clerk then under his brother, John C. Fraser, 
who had succeeded his father in 1898, until his brother's illness, 
which incapacitated him from business, and whose death occurred 
in 1905. Since 1898 Mr. rrascr has continued his practice with 
marked success up to the present time. He has made many 
warm and influential friends, and has been associated with 
many prominent lawyers and law cases. In politics he is a Demo- 
crat like his father before him, but has devoted himself largely 
to his profession, and has never been an aspirant for office. In 
the 1905 Municipal election, Mr. Fraser received the Tammany 
Hall nomination for coroner and was on the same ticket with 
Jerome F. Healy, the labor man from the Thirty-fifth Assembly 
District. There were two tickets against Mr. Fraser, the Re- 
publican and the Municipal Ownership League; the Republican 
candidate against Mr. Fraser, being on both tickets, was elected. 
Mr. Fraser ran ahead of his associate, Mr. Healy, an indication 
of his great popularity. Mr. Fraser is a member of the Thirty- 
fourth District General Committee, North Side, and has acted 
as chairman of numerous Tammany committees; he is a mem- 
ber of tlie Eugene J. McGuire Association and of the Fraternal 
Order of Eagles. He has been a member of the Harlem Rowing 
Club, and the Mott Haven Athletic Club, manifesting his devotion 
to athletics. In 1889 he married. The only child surviving his 
first wife is Wallace S. Fraser, Jr. In 1900 he married again, 
this time to Miss Amelia L. Reynolds. They have two children. 
Marion S. and Wesley J., both li\ing. 

RICHARD N. ARNOW was born March 20, 1851, in East- 
chester, now a part of the city. He is therefore in his 54th year 
and has lived in the borough all that time. He went to school 
here, grew up and studied law, married, held office and pursued 
his career all within the confines of the district. He was ad- 
mitted to practice in the year 1S85. In March, 1896, Governor 
Morton appointed him to the position from which he derives his 
title, viz.. Justice of the Municipal Court, First District, Borough 
of the Bronx. His term expired the following year. Judge 
Arnow married August 15, 1878, Miss Helen Secor. Thev have 
had one child, Norma, now the wife of Albert Duryea. 

WILLIAM G. McCREA, ex-Judge and Counsellor at Law, 
of 90 West Broadway, though a native of St. Louis, Mo., has 
been a resident of this city forty years. He was brought up 
here, in fact, and received his education at Public School No. 
14 and in the New York College. He is a Democrat in politics 
and has been on the bench here as Civil Justice of the Tenth 
District Court, City of New York. He belongs to the Columbia 
and Stuyvesant Yacht Clubs, to the Bron.x and the Democratic 
Clubs, and was for five years president of the Schnorer Club 
succeeding in that office the late L. J. Heintz. He was secretary 
also of the Citizens' Local Improvement party when Heintz was 
nominated to office as commissioner. 

JOHN HOMER HILDRETH, Counselor at Law.— The sub- 
ject of this sketch has long made his home in and been identified 
with the Bronx. He is a man of clean reputation and recog- 
nized as one of the learned, able and reliable members of the 
New York Bar. Mr. Hildreth is a native of Massachusetts, but 
has lived in New York City thirty-eight years and witliin the 
Bronx upwards of thirty, years. He prepared for college at the 
Wesleyan Academy near Springfield, Mass., and graduated at 



the Columbia College Law School, this city, with the degree of 
Bachelor of Law, in 1869. He was admitted to practice soon 
after in both the Supreme and United States Courts, and in a 
few years achieved an enviable name and position in the pro- 
fession. He is now president of the Bronx Borough Bar Asso- 
ciation, a preferment significant in itself of his standing both 
in the profession and among his brethren. Though a Republican 
in politics, taking an active interest in the success of that party, 
he has never held orfice. In 1882, however, he was its standard 
bearer in a fight for election to the Assembly in the Twenty- third 
and Twenty-fourth Wards, but was, like many others, defeated 
by the Cleveland landslide of that memorable year. He is an 




JOHN HOMER HILDRETH 

active member of the North Side Board of Trade, the Odd Fel- 
lows and Masonic orders, and a vestryman of St. Ann's Protest- 
ant Episcopal Church. He is likewise a member, by virtue of 
his ancestry and electioni, of the New England Society in Uie 
City of New York ; a Fellow of the American Geographical 
Society, and the Bar Association of the State of New York. Mr. 
Hildreth has been married twice. His first wife was Miss Fannie 
J. Benner, with whom he intermarried in 1867; the maiden name 
of his second, with whom he united in 1882. was Miss Cora J. 
Birch. He is the father of seven children, three of whom are 
dead. Two sons, the eldier of whom, Homer \V., is a clergy- 
man, and two daughters, survive. 

HON. ARTHUR C. BUTTS, a distinguished attorney, resi- 
dent in the Bronx, has served in the State Legislature and is at 
present, as for seven years past. Assistant Corporation Counsel. 
Mr. Butts was born in New York City August 23, 1848. He was 
educated in the public schools here and at the Delaware Literary 
Institute, Franklin, Delaware County, N. Y. He studied law 
with Senator Henry R. Low at Monticello, Sullivan County, this 



Iti 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



state, and in New \\>vk Cily, and was adnntted to the bar in 
1869. He began practice at Monticello, N. Y., in 1870. In 1872 
he was elected special county judge and surrogate of Sullivan 
County. He was counsel there for many persons accused 01 
crime, and in the defense of prisoners, in four trials for murder, 
succeeded in all liut one. Tliat was the case of Mark Brown, ni 
1875. Said the judge then of Mr. Butts, in sentencing the ac- 
cused to the scaffold : "Whatever conid be done for you by the 
skill of man has been done. Rarely if ever has there been heard, 
in a court of justice, a more elnquent plea than that made by 
your counsel in your behalf." In 1884 Mr. Butts came to the 
City of New York, and has lived in the Twenty-third Ward, 
now the Borough of the Bronx. He took active part in the 
movement resulting in the election of the late Louis J. Heintz, 
Commissioner of Street Improvements for the Twenty-third and 
Twenty-fourth Wards. He was one of counsel for the Citizens' 
Committee which urged the passage of the well known "People's 
Bill," creating that office, and in 1891 was chairman of the Execu- 
tive Conmiittee of the Citizens' Local Improvement party. In 
1893, 1894 and 1S96 he represented the Twenty-ninth Assembly 
District in tlie State Legislature. In 1894 he secured the pass- 
age of the tive-cent fare bill, providing for a five-cent fare from 
the City Hall to the terminus of the "L" road, and a continuous 
ride, without change of cars at 129th street. In 1894 he was a 
member of the Judiciary Committee of the Assembly and in 
1896 of the Committee of Ways and Means. In 1898 he was 
appointed Assistant Corporation Counsel and served four years. 
In 1902 he was re-appoinied to that position. In September, 
1904, he was chosen orator of the day for the celebration of the 
hundredth anniversary of the Village of Monticello. He is 
author of tlic poim published by Putnam's entitled, "Monticello, 
a Picture of llie Past." 

HO.N. ADOLPH C. IIOTTENROTH is one of the most 
conspicuous of the younger element of professional and public 
men in Bron.x Borough, and one of the most able also — one whom, 
too, his fellow citizens have more than once delighted to honor. 
He has been an adviser and valued worker in behalf of its 
taxpayers' associations and otlier pulihc bodies; he has been a 
member of council — a working member accomplishing some- 
thing; and as the representative of his people in the State Con- 
stitutional convention has shown himself wise and inlluential 
beyond his years. He is, moreover, a hon.e product, so to speak, 
He spent his early life in 1869 in Melrose, of that sturdy Ger- 
man stock which so largely peoples this section. He received 
his early education in the public schools of tlie district and with 
it, in all probability, the inspiration which has made him the 
enthusiastic advocate and champion oi its claims. Mr. Hotten- 
roth is a graduate of the College of tihe City ot New York and 
of tlie law scliool of New York University. He began practice 
as a member of the law hrm uf Gumbleton &. Hottenroth, and 
soon achieved exceptional prominence in tlie profession. In 
1893 he was elected to the Constitutional Convention, and in 1895 
to the Municipal Council. As counsel and an active member of 
the Twenty third Ward Property Owners' Association, and the 
Alliance of the Taxpayers' Association of the Twenty-third ancl 
Twentiy-fourth Wards he fought strenuously for the following 
issues, most of which have been realized : The retention of the 
Department of .'street Improvements, the making of the Grand 
Boulevard and Concourse, the reduction of the assessment for 
the widening and improvement of East I49t;h Street, which 
established a precedent for the reduction by the Legislature of 
the assessments on 161 st Street and Washington .'\venue; fhe 
building of the new Third .A^venue Bridge and the Willis Avenue 



[bridge; the building of viaducts over the tracks of the Harlem 
Railroad at 153d, I56t'h and 158th Streets, to Cedar Park, 
ami Melrose to Webster Avenues; Rapid Transit and Improve- 
ment of our Parks and Parkways ; the extension of the Elevated 
Railway system as provided for in the company'.': charter; re- 
duced fares on all railways or railroads operating in our city; 
improved streets and pavements; the final and speedy completion 
of the street system of the entire Borough ot the tlron.x at the 
lowest possible assessment; the speedy construction ot a new 
bridg; over the Harlem River at F..-.9t I4nth Street ; the construc- 
tion of the Botanical and Zoological Gardens in the North Side. 
Those who live in the district appreciate tl-.eir in'portance. As 
a member of the Constitutional Convention he was an ardenf 
advocate of home rule for cities; fought for addilional repre- 
sentation for this district in the State Senate and Assembly; 
opposed monopolies and trusts ; was among the foremost in 
opposition to an attempt to ruin Niagara Falls by water powe. 
promoters; and was chosen by the inin'orily to lead the fight for 
canal improvement. The fight he made for that last named ini- 




HON. ADOLPH C. HOTrENROTH 

provement, railroad opposition notwithstanding, was memorable. 
"In that convention of five months' session; indeed, though ont 
of its youngest members, he won the respect and admiration of 
all its miembers. irrespective of party." Mr. Hottenroth is a 
man of family and the father of three, Adolph Christian, Viola 
Emilv, and .\nnette Muriel, 

JOHN J. BR.^DY'. — It seems hardly necessary to say he 
has served the public long and ably in various official capacities, 
making him thus one of the best known men of the borough. He 
is by profession an attorney and counsellor at law, and has been 
.Assistant Corporation Counsel, Attorney for the Department of 
Street Improvements, Twenty-third and Twenty-fourth Wards. 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



I85 



Commissioner of Taxes, ComiiiissiuiKT •>{ ilie Department of 
Parks, Bronx Borough, Commissioner of I'axcs again and so 
forth, in one and all displaying exeeplional application, fitness 
and capacity. He has been a life-long resident of the borough 
and knows its ground and people intimately. Born in the city 
.•\ugust 30, 1854, lie 'i^s lived in it fifty-one years. His prelimi- 
nary schooling began in old Pnlilic School No. 4, situated at 
what is now the corner of t'ield Place and the Grand Boule- 





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JOHN J. BRADY 

vard and Conccmrse. In 1S7J lie graduated from .St. John's Col- 
lege, l''ordhani, and taking up the study of law, was admitted 
when he had attained his majority. Mr. Brady is married. He 
has been blessed with a family of seven, four daughters and 
three sons, all of whom are living. He is a member of the 
I'ordham Club, the principal social organization of the Fordham 
District ; of the "Schnorers." which has more than merely local 
reputation ; of the Catholic Club and Brownson Club, institutions 
identified with the religious faith he professes; of the Irish 
Club, tlie Navajo and Democratic Clubs, the latter the swell 
downtown organization of the party; of the Elks, the Ancient 
Order of Flibernians, the Knights of Columbus and others. 

W. STEBBINS SMITH, attorney and counsellor at law 
of the Morrisania District of the Bronx, is the son of Chauncey 
and Hannah Farler Smith, both of whom belonged to old West- 



chester County families. He was bora at White Plains in the 
County of Westchester, September 16, 1847, and was educated 
at a private school, a grammar school and a school of languages. 
He was also given a practical business education, and graduated 
from Columbia College Law School. He was admitted to the 
bar June 12, 1871. Mr. Smith has maintained a residence in 
Morrisania — now a name only, but once an independent settle- 
ment — for the last fifty years. He is a Republican in politics, 
but has held public office only once, viz., when he was appointed 
a School Inspector by Mayor Strong, and re-appointed by Mayor 
Van Wyck, and was chosen Chairman of the Board. Mr. Smith 
is a charter member of the Association of the Bar of the Bronx, 
has been its president in fact from the beginning. He is also 
a charter member of the North Side Board of Trade, a member 
of the Alumni of Colutnbia College Law School, of the Tax- 
payers' Alliance, and of the Centenary Methodist Episcopal 
Church, which last he has served for many years past as 
president of its Board of Trustees. Mr. Smith was married 
October 24, 1878, to Lillie Jackson and has had three children, 
two of whom died in infancy; a daughter, Grace E., is now 
living. 

HON. JOHN E. EUSTIS, lawyer, was born at Limerick, 
Jefferson County, New York, January 17, 1847 ; his father moved 
to Hammond, St. Lawrence Co., the same year, where he at- 
tended the district schools until he was fourteen years of age. 
During his boyhood days he worked on the farm and in his 
father's carriage shop, and at the age of seventeen enlisted as 
a private in Company M, 20th N. Y. Cavalry, in August, 1864. 
Me served in that capacity until the close of the war, and in 
June, 1865, he returned home where he resumed his duties with 
bis father until he reached the age of twenty-two, completing 
his trade as a wheelwright. He then entered the academy at 
Gouverneur, N. Y., which be attended during the fall terms and 
in the winter season he taught school, working with his father 
during the spring and fall; this he continued to do for three 
years in order to prepare for and earn money to ' defray the 
expenses of a college education. In the fall of 1871 he entered 
VVesleyan University at Middletown, Connecticut, where he 
took a scientific course, graduating in 1874, with honors, re- 
ceiving the degree of B. S. During his course in that institu- 
tion he taught school two winters in Cromwell and Middletown, 
earning enough to pay all his college expenses for those years. 
Ide was made captain and stroke of the crew the last two 
years of his college course, and during the regatta at Spring- 
field, Mass., in 1873, his crew finished a close second to Yale, 
beating out Harvard and eight other contestants. In 1874 at 
Saratoga in a field of eleven boats with an entire new crew, ex- 
cept himself, his crew was again second, Columbia College 
crew being first. In the fall of 1874 Mr. Eustis went to New 
York where he took up his work in surveying. He was 
appointed to the position of city surveyor. He did not relax 
his interest in nautical sports; he became a member of the At- 
lantic Boat Club, leading the amateur crew in New York City, 
of which he became manager and was made captain and stroke 
and rowed in all races for several years. In 1875 he won 
the Four Oar Shell race at Saratoga, and the National Four 
Oar Association at Troy, N. Y., which was held one week 
after the Saratoga race. In the fall of 1875 he entered Colum- 
bia Law School, graduating therefrom in 1877. During his 
course at Columbia, he was a clerk in the law office of Olin, 
Rives & Montgomery. In the autumn of 1877 he began the 



186 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



practice of his chosen profession on his own account. In 1881 
lie formed a co-partnership with Herhert Valentine, which was 
continued for one year. Mr. Eustis was again alone until 1890, 
at which time the firm of Eustis, Foster & Coleman was 
tormed for the general practice of law; the duration of this firm 
was until 1899, when Mr. Coleman withdrew to accept the posi- 
tion of assistant corporation counsel. The firm is now Eustis 
& Foster, whose offices are located at No. 80 Broadway. Mr. 
Kustis has heen an honored resident of Bronx Borough since 




HON. JOHN E. EUSTIS 

1881. In politics. luc;il. lie is independent ; in national niatlers 
he is Republican. He is a prominent member of the Citizens' 
Union, and in 1897 he was its candidate for president of 
Bronx Borough. He polled a very satisfactory vote, notwith- 
standing the fact that the borough is a great Democratic strong- 
hold. The first position of trust held by Mr. Eustis was that of 
school inspector of the Twenty-third and Twenty-fourth Wards 
of New York City, having been appointed by Mayor Edson in 
18S2. In 1883 he was appointed school trustee for the Twenty- 
fourth Ward and served three terms until 1895, when the 
trustees were legislated out of office. He was immediately made 
school inspector by Mayor Strong; in 1896 he was appointed 
a school commissioner, serving until 1899. In 1902 he was ap- 
pointed park commissioner by Mayor Low, a position he ably 
filled during that administration. During his incumbency, be 
it said to his credit, he did more for the development of the 
park system in the Bronx than was ever done under any prior 
administration. He laid out Melrose Park, the I42d Street and 
Morris Avenue Park, McKinley Square, McComb's Dam, 
the Colonial Garden in Van Cortlandt Park and Echo 
Park, besides constructing a number of new and beauti- 
ful drives through Van Cortlandt, Pelhain Bay and 
Bronx Park. The administration of his office was con- 



ducted on a high, dignified basis, and in a manner which 
would eliminate even partisan criticism. When he turned the 
department over to his successor at the end of his term the af- 
fairs of the office were in perfect shape. Mr. Eustis is a mem- 
ber of the Methodist Church; the Bronx Republican Club; the 
N. Y. Bar Association; Bronx Bar Association; the !•". & A. M. ; 
Lafayette Post, G. A. R. ; is chairman of the local board of 
L'nited Charities Organization, Bronx; West Side Association; 
and is one of the governors of the New York Skin and Cancer 
Hospital. On September 21, 1881, Mr. Eustis married Miss 
-Minnie Rutty. .-Xfter a brief illness of four days she died of 
pneumonia on January 6, 1S92. Six children were born to their 
union, viz. : John R. Eustis, one of the assistant editors of the 
Brooklyn Daily Eagle; Mary, Sarah E., Helen F., Constance, 
and Markwick E. On May 31, 1894, he married his present 
wife, Permeha A. Eustis; one daughter and two sons have 
been added to his household by this union, Nadine Q., Elmer 
r. and Clinton R. Eustis. 

HON. JOHN P. COHALAN, lawyer, of 277 Broadway, re- 
siding at 1042 Macy place, has been living here sixteen ye^ars. lie 
was born in Brooklyn March 17, 1873, and was educated at 
W'allkill Academy, Middletown, Orange County, N. Y., and at 
Manhattan College, New York City. He is a Democrat, a mem- 
ber of the Schnorer and Longwood Clubs, Catholic Club of New 
Vork City, the Knights of Columbus, the Bar Association of the 
Bron.x and the Catholic Church. He is a man of family, hav- 
ing married October 5, 1898, Miss Margaret J. Kiernaii, and has 
four children ; one daughter, Margaret Mary, and three sons 
I iniotliy Kugene. Tboni.is l''lorence :iiul John Patrick. He was 
■ K-eled .Member i>f ihe .\--senilily in Xcp\einber. igoj. 

SMI IH WILLIAMSON, attorney, of 364 Alexander Ave- 
nue. Bronx, was born February 16, 1852, at New Castle, near 
Mount Kisco, Westchester County, New York. He was edu- 
cated in the public school at New Castle and subsequently took 
a special course of instruction at the Institute of Rev. Andrew 
Schiland at that place. He came to Morrisania (now Bronx 
Borough) in the fall of 1868, and in 1875 graduated from the 
Law Department of the New York University. He resided m 
the iniiiiediate vicinity of his office from 180S to 1896; the latter 
year he moved his family to White Plains, Westchester County, 
N. v., where they now reside, and from which place he comes 
daily to his place of business. As a lawyer Mr. Williamson 
makes a specialty of the examination of titles and the loaning of 
money on bond and mortgage. In politics he is a Republican, 
though he has never held any jjublic office and has no aspirations 
in that direction. For twenty-five years he was a member of 
the Willis Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church at Willis Ave- 
nue and 141st Street, and for more than twenty years was one 
of the officials of that cluirch. He is now connected with the 
Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church of White Plains and is 
an official of that church. Mr. Williamson was married April 
16, 1873, to Sarah .\ , daughter of Frederick Turner, now de- 
ceased. Two children have been born of that union, Marion M.. 
now the wife of Francis Underbill Yoss, of Summit, N. J., and 
Lillian M., who resides with her parents at White Plains. 

THOMAS CHANNON PRESS.— The subject of this 
sketch has had a varied and eventful career, not only in Ireland, 
the country of his birth, but in America. Mr. Press was born 
in Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland, on the 3d of March, 1863. 
He received his early education at the Belfast Model School and 
at the age of 14 years was indentured at the printing business. 



History of bronx borough 



JS7 



Scarcely two years later he determineJ, as soon as his seven 
years' apprenticeship was concluded, to enter journahsm and 
[hereupon commenced his preparation. His hours as a compositor 
were from 8 a. m. till 6 :45 p. m. daily and any preparatory work 
would have to be outside these hours. Stenography was abso- 
lutely necessary, and before long he was an expert and had 
received a teachers' diploma from Isaac Pitman's Phonetic Insti- 
tute, Bath, England. He then took up the classical course in 
the evenings at McTier's Academy and subsequently studied for 
the Royal University under Mr. Andrew L. Horner, B.A., now 
King's Counsel at the Irish Bar, in the Assemblies and Queens 
Colleges, Belfast. He realized his ambition at the close of his 
seven years' apprenticeship and was one of the charter members 
of the Irish Journalists' Association, which had among its mem- 
bers some of the most brilliant men in Ireland. Seeking a wider 
field, Mr. Press came to the United States in May, 1888, and after 
doing some press work in the City of New York, went to Denver, 
Colorado, wliere he was a reporter on the "Denver Republican," 
and afterwards associate editor of "Sports Afield." After an 
interesting experience in the West Mr. Press returned to New 
York and became secretary to Mr, John D. Crimmins, and while 
in that capacity studied law in the evenings at the Metropolis 
Law School, of which Surrogate Thomas of New York County 
was then dean. He graduated, was one of the class speakers and 
received the degree of LL. B. from the Board of Regents of the 
University of the State of New York. He then entered the 
office of Mr. Robert Sewell, senior counsel of the Mutual Life 
and a year later was admitted to the New York Bar, of which 
he has been a practitioner since. On the 15th day of August, 
1894, Mr. Press married Miss Leila Slater, sister of State Sen- 
ator Samuel S. Slater, and after residing for some time in the 
Borough of Manhattan, where Mr. Press had taken considerable 
interest in Democratic politics, they moved to the Borough of the 
Bronx in the fall of 1899. There are two children by the mar- 
riage, Thomas Channon Press and Leila Channon Press. Al- 
though prominent socially and actively interested in Democratic 
politics, Mr. Press has never held any office. He is an Episco- 
polian and is an alumnus of the New York University Law 
School, vice-president of the Longwood Club, vice-president of 
the Jefferson-Tammany Club, president of the Inter-Club Bowl- 
ing and Baseball Leagues of the Bronx, member of the Tammany 
Hall General Committee, member of the Schnorer Club, North 
Side Board of Trade, Greater New York Irish Athletic Club, 
Worry Not Club, Square Club, Astor Lodge, No. 603, F. and 
A. M., and is also a member of the Scottish Rite bodies of New 
York City, N. M. J., thirty-second degree and of Mecca Temple 
Mystic Shrine. 

ROCELLUS SHERIDAN GUERNSEY, author and lawyer, 
was born in Westford township, Otsego Co., N. Y., April lo, 
1836, son of Richard and Orillia (De Les Dernier) Guerasey, 
and descendant in the eighth generation of John Guernsie or 
Garnsey, one of the founders of Milford, Conn., in the New 
Haven colony in 1639; also of Rev. Jeremiah Peck, of Water- 
bury, Conn., noted for being a Presbyterian clergyman and an 
instructor in the New Haven colony. The branch of the Guern- 
sey family emanating from Dutchess County, N. Y., is a large 
one, as is evidenced by the statement that Richard Guernsey 
had ninety cousins on his father's side alone from the fifteen 
children of John and Azubah (Buel) Guernsey (Garnsey). Mr. 
Guernsey studied law in Cooperstown, N. Y., in 1853-4 and in 
Rochester in 1855-6, in Buffalo in 1857-8, and came to New York 
City in November, 1858, where he continued the practical study 
of the law, and in June, 1859, was admitted to the bar and in 



.'\ugu.st of the same year he began the practice of the law in 
New York City and continued it until the present time. He also 
resided in the city all of that time. He has made a specialty of 
some particular branch of the law from time to time during his 
practice, and has participated in many noted cases and in many 
of public importance. He has been a resident of the Bronx since 
the spring of 1878 and has always taken a lively interest in the 
welfare of the borough, particularly since the summer of 1894, 
when he partly withdrew from his former active professional 
work and applied himself to public matters in various ways. He 
has never held any public office. In 1883 he built the residence 
in Bathgate Avenue, where he now resides, near East 174th 
Street, with his wife and daughter. His office address is 58 Pine 
Street, Manhattan. He has always reverted to literature and 
the study of science and history as a means of diversion from 
his professional labors and to recuperate from overwork. He 
always has a "hobby" to work on. He has read many papers 
before various literary, national and scientific associations and 
has contributed many articles for journals and magazines upon 
legal, scientific, historical and literary subjects during the past 
forty-six years, many of which have been re-printed in pamphlet 
form, including "Juries and Physicians on Questions of In- 
sanity," ri-ad bcfrirc the New York Medico-Legal Society in 




ROCELLUS SHERIDAN GUERNSEY 

November, 1872; "Municipal Law and its Relation to the Con- 
stitution of Man," 1874; "Medico-Legal Sciences," "The Examina- 
tion of Titles to Land in England and in the United States," 
"Law Reform in Pleadings," 1873; "Suicide, History of the 
Penal Laws Relating to it," "Ecclesiastical Law in Hamlet," read 
before the New York Shakespeare Society in 1885, of which he 
was then first vice-president; "Ta.xation and Its Relation to Capi- 
tal and Labor," 1897; "Utilitarian Principles of Taxation and 
Their Relation to Altruism," a serial in twelve numbers in the 





LOUIS A. VAN DOREN 



SMITH WILLIAMSON 





T. CHANNON PRESS 



HON. JOHN P. COHALAN 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



J89 



Sanitarian, 1901-2. The foundation of his manner of considering 
and treating the subject of taxation is to show how municipal 
taxation may be directed and extended to effect beneficial reforms. 
He claims and discusses those questions from the standpoint of 
a system which has the maxim of "the greatest good to the 
greatest number," with which term all readers of Bentham and 
Spencer are familiar. He argues that these utilitarian princi- 
ples of ta.xation have the same starting point that all moral and 
enlightened municipal laws have ; that taxation and revenue from 
it should be to conserve individuals in life, liberty and the pur- 
suit of wealth, and the enjoyment that arises from it, should be 
applied, appropriately, to the particular conditions existing, or 
to which it is aimed. Without some humanitarian end in view 
in the law imposing taxes, there is no check to the operation of 
legislation in its efforts to obtain revenue for public uses. The 
distribution of the greatest amount of happiness may be con- 
sidered to be for the general welfare and greatest good ot a 
community — permanent good, as distinguished from momentary 
pleasure. The prime necessaries of life, those of the most com- 
mon and extensive use, should be taxed at the minimum, and 
luxuries at the maximum. The tax on land and dwelling places, 
and on food, water and clothing should be made as little as con- 
ditions will allow. Public improvements should also be made 
with the end in view of "the greatest good to the greatest num- 
ber." The few should not be taxed for the benefit of the many, 
nor the many for the benefit of the few. Among the dozen sub- 
jects then discussed are "Taxation for Protection of Human 
Life," "Taxation of Water," "Taxation and the Tenement House 
Problem," and sanitary appliances, generally, in connection with 
food, light, air, and their effect on health, longevity, and the de- 
\ elopnient of man. The utilitarian principles of taxation, Mr. 
Guernsey asserts, can be applied in as complete a system as can 
the science of government, both of which should be in harmony 
with the economic needs and social conditions of a community 
or state, and the system applied to a community with an appro- 
priate end, in view with a regard to its effects — other than econo- 
mic ; that there is a natural law in the business world as well as 
in the physical and moral world ; that in each case these laws 
will follow the line of the least resistance, and will be oppressive 
when not appropriate.. In his essay on Taxation and its Rela- 
tion to Capital and Labor he says : "Some of the wisest princi- 
ples and keenest observers have said, the greatest good to the 
greatest number is the foundation of legislation and of morals. 
It is as broad as humanity and as deep as justice and as eternal as 
ilic heavens — the great commandment of the religion of humanity. 
The near approach to this in a nation fhows the degrees of civili- 
zation that it has reached. Let our state and national law unite 
and co-operate in this and the result will be sublime !" He is a 
member of the American Historical Association and a trustee of 
the American Scenic and Historic Preservation Society. In 1874 
111 a paper read before the New York Genealogical and Bi'ographi- 
cal Society he first suggested that the names of all those that 
fought for the growth and establishment of the nation should 
be preserved and commemorated. He said: "Military heroism is 
not confined to leaders of armies and titled warriors. Of the 
latter thousands of volumes have been written. They do not 
need me to advocate their memory. But the names of the almost 
unknown braves who have fallen in the ranks in their country's 
cause — they 'that have known the cross without the crown of 
glory' — are yet to be rescued from oblivion, and their names 
should be placed in every public library in the United States. The 
memory of the heroes of the war for our national independence 
should properly claim our first attention. They were all heroes 
that fought in tliat war, and they were men who knew their duties 



and 'their rights, and, knowing, dare maintain.' The 'lives, the 
fortunes, and the sacred honor' of the signers of the Declaration 
of Independence would have been of no avail without these brave 
and patriotic soldiers. What can be a more noble and appro- 
priate offering and patriotic exhibition at the coming celebration 
of the centennial anniversary of our national independence than 
that each state furnish a roll of its men, both rank and file, who 
fought to establish our National Government? I would also add 
all those who have since fallen or fought in our country's battles. 
Nothing can be more noble and appropriate on that occasion than 
this! I ask your influential co-operation to carry out this de- 
sign. Every Genealogical and Biographical Society in this land, 
as well as every Historical Society, should exert its influence and 
lend its aid in this effort. 

"New York has never been behind in furnishing patriotic 
men to fight our national battles ; thereiore we should not now 
hesitate to have placed upon record the names and deeds of her 
numerous sons." 

The subject was discussed in the journals of the day and it 
was undoubtedly the origin of the Sons of the Revolution, many 
patriotic societies, and has led to the publication of the rolls of 
Revolutionary soldiers in many Stales. Among his historical 
writings, the most notable of which is "New York City and 
Vicinity During the War of 1812-15," in two large volumes, 
which appeared in 1889 and 1895. For this work the City Com 
mon Council gave him a vote of thanks in 1896. In 1902 he read 
a paper before the New York Historical Society on "Religious 
Liberty in Colonial New York." 

Among his publications in book form are "Mechanics' Lien 
Laws of New York City," (1873) ; and "Key to Story's Equity 
Jurisprudence," (1875). A bibliography of his writings con- 
tains more than forty titles, besides his articles that have not 
been published in book or pamphlet form and others that have 
not been printed. He was one of the early members of the New 
York Medico-Legal Society, and has read many papers before it. 
He was one of the incorporators of the New York Shakespeare 
Society in 1885. He organized the New York State Taxpayers' 
Association in 1894, and is now chairman of that body. He has 
for many years been the chairman of the Committee on Taxa- 
tion and Assessments of the Taxpayers' Alliance of the Borough 
of the Bronx, and corresponding secretary of that body, and has 
made many important reports on matters that have been before 
it for consideration. He has been since 1894 active in all move- 
ments to reform national, state and municipal taxation and has 
written much on those subjects. Was one of the promoters of 
the New York State Franchise Tax Law of 1899, and ever vigi- 
lant in efforts to enforce it. 

The authority for the franchise tax law. he contends, is 
founded upon the principle that public ownership of property 
gives legislative control of its use, which in most cases of public 
utilities is preferable to municipal ownership for purposes of 
revenue for profit over the cost of operation. He still has the 
fervor and enthusiasm of his youth and his efforts are likely to 
continue for many years to come and his knowledge of men and 
public matters and his acquirements will be further available for 
the public benefit in the lines he has chosen and in which he 
seems to be particularly adapted. 

LOUIS O. VAN DOREN.— The subject of this sketch is 
the son of the late Charles A. Van Doren and Anna Wood 
Smith, his wife, and was born in the City of New York on Sep- 
tember 21, 1863. Upon his father's side he is descended from 
the Van Dorens who came from Holland in 1639 and settled on 
Long Island, where one of them, the Rev. William H. Van 



190 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



Doren, was the first minister of the gospel on that island. The 
branch of the family from which our subject is descended early 
left Long Island and settled in the County of Freehold in the 
State of New Jersey. They were active patriots in the Revo- 
lution and were soldiers under Washington. Twelve Van 
Dorens were in Col. Van Cleefs regiment in the Revolutionary 
Army at the fierce and important battle of Monmouth. Upon 
his mother's side Mr. Van Doren is descended from a Quaker 
family who came over with William Penn and settled in Bucks 
County, Pennsylvania, and by the same line is a descendant of 
one of the first Colonial governors of New Jersey. His father, 
the late Charles A. Van Doren, took up his residence in the 
Bronx as early as 1853. His father's brother, the late Dr. Mat- 
thew Dikeman Van Doren, married a daughter of Jordan L. 
Mott. At that time the Bronx was just beginning its growth. 
The great estate of Gouverneur Morris was almost intact, and 
most of the Bronx was divided into large holdings. Jordan L. 
Mott bought a large parcel of land from Gouverneur Morris 
running westerly of Third .Avenue, then known as Boston Road, 
and seeing with prophetic vision the future growth of the Bronx, 
Mr. Mott laid down the foundations of his great iron business 
at the southern end of his purchase and dividing the balance 
up into lots was the first man to advertise lots for sale at low 
prices and by broadside advertisements. This was the begin- 
ning of Molt Haven and Mr. Mott interested his son-in-law, Dr. 
Van Doren, in the new community of Mott Haven and through 
him the late Charles A. Van Doren. Charles A. Van Doren, the 
father of the subject of tliis sketch, was a lawyer of learning and 
ability, a Master of Arts of the University of New York and an 
accomplished scholar and was for many years Mr. Jordan L. 
Mott's chief counsel. His residence at i4S;h Street and Third 
Avenue was a pretty country villa and from it l4Sth Street was 
originally named Villa Place. St. Paul's Dutch Reformed 
Church at 146th Street and Third Avenue was designed by the 
Rev. William T. Van Doren, another brother, and constructed 
upon his designs and with funds raised by him and he was its 
first pastor. There is a touch of romantic history attached to 
the old residence of Charles A. Van Doren. He was an Abo- 
litionist and later and always a Republican, and during the war 
was assistant quartermaster general in charge of New York City 
with General, afterward President, Arthur ; both being on the 
staflf of Governor Morgan. Before the war there was a con- 
stant stream of escaping slaves fleeing from the South towards 
New England, Canada and freedom, and as their goings were 
secret it was in current phrase said that they made their jour- 
neys by the "Underground Road." There was nothing under 
ground about their road, strictly speaking. They travelled by 
night and towards New England and naturally choose the Bos- 
ton Road or highway to Boston as their way. These escaping 
slaves were passed from one sympathizer to another, being taken 
in at the dead of night and refreshed, and if necessary, held 
over until with the coming of another night, they could safely 
resume their journey. Charles A. Van Doren did not hesitate 
to give these escaping slaves the hospitality of his residence and 
the old house was one of the "stations," so called, of the 
legendary "Underground Road." At the height of the move- 
ment of the escaping slaves his residence often contained some 
of these fugitives and guarded them safely from discovery and 
pursuit. Mr. Louis O. Van Doren was brought up to the law. 
After early tuition at home he entered old Grammar School No. 
60, then presided over by Jonathan D. Hyatt, and he graduated 
therefrom in 1878 and entered the College of the City of New 
York at the age of fifteen years. After a five years' course in 
that institution Mr. Van Doren was graduated therefrom with 



the degree of Bachelor of Arts in the class of 1883, and taking 
up the study of the law was admitted to practice by the General 
Term of the Supreme Court, in the First Department, in the 
month of October, 1885. Ever since his admission to the bar, 
Mr. Van Doren has been engaged in the active practice of his 
profession and has achieved a standing therein among the well 
known trial lawyers and practitioners in court. Since 1886 he 
has been concerned in the formation of many large corporations. 
He was counsel and director of the Middlesex Valley Railroad 
Company; attorney for bondholders in the matter of the de- 
faulted bonds of the City of Superior, Wisconsin ; counsel for 
the Reno Oil Company of Reno, Pennsylvania, where he was 
successful, after a protracted litigation lasting three years, in 
restoring that property to its rightful owners ; formed the cor- 
poration for which was constructed the new Marie Antoinette 
Hotel and has been for years counsel for the large land com- 
pany which owns Edgemere, Long Island. In the leading case 
reported in 169 N. Y., page 367, Mr. Van Doren obtained in the 
Court of Appeals a decision of great importance to the general 
public in holding that owrers of mortgages could not exact 
bonuses as a condition for extending them. Mr. Van Doren 
has always taken an active interest in the public affairs of the 
Bronx. He is a member of the North Side Republican Club 
and was for two years its president. He is also a member of 
the Union Republican Club. For ten years past he has been 
counsel for St. Ann's Church of Morrisania, one of its vestry- 
men, and of late years a warden of that church. He has also 
acted as counsel for St. Mary's Church of Mott Haven. Mr. 
Van Doren belongs to the Holland Society of New York, the 
Alumni Association in the College of the City of New York, the 
Edgemere Association of Queens County, and he is one of the 
charter members of the Bar Association of the Borough of the 
Bronx and is chairman of its Executive Committee, and he is a 
shareholder and member of the New York Law Institute. Louis 
O. Van Doren has been one of the earnest and consistent advo- 
cates of the creation of county government in the Borough of 
the Bronx. He was one of the authors of the bill for that 
purpose, introduced in the Legislatures of 1904 and 1905, and 
was chairman of the General Conference Committee of Dele- 
gates from all associations in the Bron.x, which in 1904 advo- 
cated before the Legislature the passage of that bill. He mar- 
ried in 1894 Isabel Yancy Neufville, daughter of Benjamin K. 
Neufville, Esq., of Charleston, South Carolina, and has two 
children. 

HON. J. C. JULIUS LANGBEIN. 
From Drummer Boy to Judge. 
This gallant drummer boy hero of the Civil War 
is now and has been for the past fifteen years a resident of the 
Bronx. He was born in Germany on the 29th day of September, 
1845. When he was two . years old his parents came to this 
country and he was educated in the public schools of the city 
of New York. At the early age of 14 years, on the 4th day 
of May, 1861, he enlisted as a drummer in the famous fight- 
ing regiment known as the Ninth New York Volunteer In- 
fantry (Hawkins Zouaves.) The official records in the Adjutant- 
General's office at Washington, D. C, show him to be the 
youngest drummer boy from the State of New York and the, 
third youngest in the United States. He soon became so pro- 
ficient on the drum and in attention to duty that he was often 
detailed to act as Drum Major. He believed in the old adage 
of "whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well," which 
adage he has followed ever since. He served during the en- 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



J9I 



tire term of service of that figluing regiment and was in every 
battle in which it was engaged, among which were the follow- 
ing, viz. : Big Bethel, capture of Forts Clark and Hatteras, Roa- 
noke Island, Camden or South Mills, South Mountain, Antie- 
tam. Fredericksburg and the siege of Suffolk. For personal 
bravery at the battle of Camden or South Mills, N. C, fought 
April 19, 1862, he was mentioned in general orders and granted 
a furlough of thirty days to visit his parents. On this furlough 
be took with him the following handsome letter from his com- 
manding officer which, with much pride, his aged mother high- 
ly prizes to this day : 

Camp Reno, Roanoke Island, N. C, .\pril 21, 1862. 

Mrs. Langbein : Dear Madam — It is impossible to send 
your son home on a furlough witliout a word. I must say that 
as a boy lie is good and as a soldier he is excellent. Beyond ail 
things I riust speak well of his bravery anil altentioti to duties 




HON. J. C. JULIUS LANGBEIN 

on the field. iJiirnii; ibe last battle lie was al bis post during the 
heaviest of the fire and behaved like a gallant little fellow. You 
should be proud of such a son, for we all are. 

With iiiiicb respect, I am yours truly, 

G. A. C. B.\RNETT, 
1st Lieut, gtb N. Y. Vols., Comd'g Co. B. 
At the battle of Aiitietam fought September 17, 1862, the 
little drummer boy had a horse shot under him while crossing 
the famous stone Vnidge, now known as "Burnside's Bridge;" 
at the battle of Fredericksburg, fought December 1,3. 1862, his 
drum was riddled with bullets and at the siege of Suffolk, in 
April, 1862, the tassel of his fez was shot off by a Confederate 
sharpshooter. Being the youngest and smallest of the drum 
corps and feminine in appearance, with a girlish face and figure, 
he was known by all his comrades as "Jennie," a nickname that 



was given to him by one of the men, who said the lad looked 
like a sweetheart of his by that name in the North, and this 
naine he was known by and called during the entire term of 
service of the regiment. At the battle of Camden or South 
Mills already mentioned, "Jennie" performed an act of heroism 
and bravery for which in later years he received a "medal of 
honor" from the Congress of the United States. This was a 
hotly contested engagement in which the regiment charged up- 
on the enemy's works as it had done at Roanoke Island, on the 
8th of February, of the same year, and did afterwards at the 
battle of Antietam, losing in that charge 6s per cent, of its 
command. In the charge at Camden or South Mills, Adjutant 
Thomas L. Bartholomew, of "Jennie's" company, and who had 
promised his mother to keep special watch over the boy, and 
between whom and the little drummer boy the closest comrade- 
ship existed, was struck down in the charge by an exploding 
shell, which dazed him, and wandering aimlessly about he was 
making for the Confederate line; at this moment "Jennie," for- 
getful of his own danger, showed the stuff of which he was 
made; he rushed upon the field and amid the smoke and din of 
the battle, the screaming shot and shell and the whistle of the 
bullets, caught his officer as he was falling in his delirium, and 
managed to partly carry and partly lead him to one of the 
L'nion rifle pits in the rear where he gently laid him down, 
revived him by a drink of water from his canteen and rushed 
away to find the regimental surgeon, with whom he soon ar- 
rived. Lieut. Bartholomew, who is still alive and who often 
visits "Jennie" from his Connecticut home, in speaking of the 
incident says: "I felt the doctor pushing his fingers into my 
wound; he felt in and around it, and then I heard him tell 'Jen- 
nie' it was no use, that I was nearly dead, that it would not be 
worth while to move me, and to leave me where I was as all 
hope was gone." But the brave little drummer boy would not 
desert bis friend and comrade; he was not strong enough to 
carry the lieutenant and so he got Charley Wiley, the big 
strapping drum major, and together they carried the uncon- 
scious officer to a house near by used as a Union hospital ; 
says Bartholomew, "I Iiave never asked 'Jennie' how he managed 
the matter, but this I know that he, in the providence of God, 
sa\ed my life, and I have always been ready and anxious to 
acknowledge my remembrance and gratitude of this noble and 
heroic act of his." Upon his return from the army in May, 
iS,j3. he entered "Bisbee's Collegiate and Military Academy" at 
Poughkeepsie, New Y^ork, and after being graduated, studied 
law and was admitted to the bar in May, 1868. His brother, ex- 
Senator George F'. Langbein, and he formed a partnership under 
the firm name of "Langbein Brothers," which soon became one 
of the leading law firms in the city of New Y'ork. The 
brothers wrote a work in 1872 known as "Langbein's District 
Court Practice," and so well and favorably has this work been 
received liy both bench and bar, that a second, third, fourth and 
fifth edition became necessary and the book has ever since 
been and is now the standard of law and practice in the Muni- 
cipal Court in the city of New Y'ork. "Jennie" is also the 
author of "The .'\inerican Flag, Its Origin and Ilistory;" "The 
Colors of the Ninth New Y''ork Volunteers (Hawkins Zouaves)" 
and also a contributor to several law and military magazines. 
N'v'hen the survivors of the obi rcgiinciU organized into a militia 
tegiment, "Jennie' enlisted as a private and was honorably dis- 
charged as captain after serving seven years. He is also promi- 
nent in the Grand Army of the Republic; has been commander 
of several posts, delegate to Department and National Encamp- 



192 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



mcn(s and Adjutant General of the department of New York. 
Some of the toasts that he has responded to at the annual re- 
unions of the regiment are as follows : "Our Empire State ; 
celebrated for its extensive dimensions, its enormous wealth and 
the number of his people. It furnished more men to the army 
than any other State but one, and the pluckiest drummer boy;" 
"Our Sheep-skin Betters ; the devils wlio would not let us sleep 
in the morning, but always called us too late for breakfast." 
The Penn Yan Yates County .Advertiser, in 1879, in speaking 
of the encampment of the Grand .\rmy of the Republic of the 
State of New York said : "At these reunions Judge Lang- 
bein is either called upon for a speech or to beat the drum, and 
as an instance of his proficiency in the latter, he responded 
to the following toast: 'The drum; a noisy meaningless in- 
strument in the hands of tlic novice, Init full of stirrinii, intel- 
ligent accents in the hands of the artists.' The Judge took 
a drum from one of the bands, and gave several of the princi- 
pal army calls, commencing with the sick call and ending with 
the long roll; all of wliich were finely and faithfully rendered." 
In 1877. the people of the old 22d Assembly District sent the 
little dnnnmcr boy to the Legislature, where he made a brilliant 
record and was noted for his fearlessness and llic iiideiieiidcnce 
of his actions. Speaker Sloan said of him tb.il lie had the 
confidence of the members so much that it must lie a very bad 
bill that .Assemblyman Laiigbein could not get through the House. 
Ill 1S70 he was returned by a larger majo.-ity. and made the 
same fearless and independent record, particularly cliampioning 
the interests of the police, firemen and school teachers. Hut the 
people wanted to honor "Jennie'' still further and place him on 
the bench as a Judge, to which position he is eminently fitted, 
and so in the fall of 1S79 he was elected Justice of the Seventh 
Judicial District Court. His judicial record gave universal 
satisfaction and he was often mentioned in flattering terms by 
judges and members of the bar fnr lii^ ability, fearlessness 
and judicial uprightness. He served as a School Trustee of the 
Twenty-third Ward (Bronx Borough) and is at present a mem- 
ber of the school board of the Twenty-fifth School District 
CBron.x Borough) and secretary of the board. He is also a 
member of the General Committee of Tnnimaiiy Hall of the 
Thirty-fifth Assembly District, a member nf the Jefferson Club 
of that district, a member of "E. .\. Kimball" Post. No. 100, 
Department of New York, Grand Army of the Republic, in 
which he has held various offices of honor and trust, and is a 
Master Mason of Hope Lodge, No. 244, F. and A. M. He was 
one of the organizers of the North Side Board nf Trade in 
1894 and is a member of the Bar .Association of the Borough of 
the Bronx. About three years ago he joined the "Medal of 
Honor" Legion of the United States of .America, and at the first 
encampment of that order at which he attended was elected 
Junior Vice-Commander thereof; the following year Senior 
\^icc-Conimander and now by the death of General Estes has 
become its Commander. Ex-Judge Langbein is of low stature 
and finely and compactly built, has a very striking personality 
and is quick, active and energetic in his movements; he has a 
lar.gc head and a fine expansive brow with a mental development 
of unusual strength. Had nature in distributing her gifts made 
him a little taller, few men would have excelled him in personal 
appearance. His complexion is light, with blue eyes that are 
remarkable for their fullness and brilliancy: his features are 
linely cut and he has a mouth and chin that denote much quiet 
energy, determination and vigor of character. Few rnen have 
held so many positions of honor and trust more faithfully or 



intelligently, but whether as Soldier, Legislator or Judge, "Jen- 
nie's" head has always remained as level as it was, when, as a 
drummer boy during the dark days of the rebellion, he faced - 
the deadly hail of shot and shell without a tremor or without 
fear. At the breaking out of the war betw-een the United 
States and Spain, the gallant Judge at once offered his services 
ii; the following terse and patriotic letter: 

City of New York, March 26th, 1898, 
C Whitney Tillinghast. Esq., 

Adjutant-General, State of New York, 

Dear Sir — In the event of war being declared between the 
I'liited States and Spain, I hereby offer my services. The fol- 
lowing is a brief account of my military record: Enlisted May 
4th, 1861, in the Ninth New York Volunteers (Hawkins Zou- 
aves), and was honorably discharged May 4, 1863, by reason of 
"expiration of term of service." Served seven years in the First 
Infantry, N. G. S. N. Y., and was honorably mustered out as 
captain. Am a member of the Grand Army of the Republic in 
good standing. The Congress of the United States awarded to 
me a "Medal of Honor," for most distinguished gallantry in 
voluntarilv, under a heavy fire, going to the aid of a wounded 
officer at the battle of Camden or South Mills, North Carolina, 
April II). 1862." The motto of the gallant regiment in which i 
li.id the honor to serve during the rebellion \va^ 'loujours 
I'ret,' ('Always ready.') To that motto, I am ag:iin ready to 
respond in defense of the L'nion and the flag. 

I lia\e the honor to be 

Respect fully yours. 
J. C. JULIUS LANGBEIN, 
No. 5 Beekman Street, or 1424 Washington .\vciiiie. Bor- 
ough of th.e Bronx, New York City." 

Till 
letter: 



following is the .Adjutaut-General's reply to the above 
"General 1 leadqinrters. 



St;ite of New "S'ork. 
".Vdjutant-General's Office. 

.Mbaiiy, March 28, 189S, 
.Mr. J. C. Julius Langbein. 

Temple Court. 5-9 Beekman .Street. New York City. 
".Sir — I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your 
cominunication of March 26th, offering j'our services in the 
event of war with Spain, and I am advised by the .Adjut.int- 
General to inform you that the same has been placed on file for 
consideration, should a call for volunteers be made 

Respectfully, 
FRED. PHISTERER, 
Assistant Adjutant-General." 
the Civil War were called njion, 
were not required, and so he has 
remained faithful to his piactice at which he plods as energeti- 
cally and faithfully as when he was first admitted to the bar. \l 
the encampment of the "Medal of Honor" Legion, held at 
Asbury Park, N. J., September 20th, 1905, he was unanimously 
elected Commander. 

ROBERT H. BERGMAN,— The subject of this sketch has 
spent all his life on the North Side. Mr. Bergman was born 
.May 28, 1S71, at Morrisania, and at an early age entered l!ie 
public school from which he graduated with honors at the age 
of 14. When 14 years old he began the study of law; subse- 
quently he entered the law school of the University of the City 
of New York, from which he graduated with enviable honors in 
iSy2, with ihe degree of LL. B. In 1893 he was admitted tu 



.'\s no "Veterans" of 
Judge Langbein's services 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



J9 



the bar by the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court for the 
First Department and a year later began the active practice of 
law on his own account. His ability, legal skill and sound 
judgment have gained for him a large practice among prominent 
real estate owners and financial institutions. For six years he 
has been counsel for the New York & Suburban Co-operative 
Building & Loan Association, and numbers among his clients 
many of the leading real estate operators of the borough. His 
familiarity with the growth of the borough and the passing of 
titles to real property, together with his experience in the ex- 
amination of abstracts and other questions affecting titles have 
made his professional services especially valuable in such cases. 
In addition to real estate law Mr. Bergman conducts a general 
practice in all departments of commercial law. in which he has 




ROBERT H. BERGMAN 

.tIso been very successful. He has a suite of offices in his modern 
five-story building, 3221 Third Avenue, New York City. Mr. 
Bergman has taken an active interest in the work of the Twenty- 
third Ward Property Owners' Association to which he belongs, 
and has always materially assisted in promoting its aims and 
purposes and guiding its plans of operation. He is also a mem- 
ber of Melrose Turn Verein. In fraternal and social organiza- 
tions Mr. Bergman has also taken a lively interest and some- 
limes a prominent part. He is a member of Guiding Star Lodge 
No. 713, F. and A. M., and Sylvan Chapter, Royal Arch Masons 
and Mystic Shrine. In the Royal Arcanum he is a member of 
Suburban Council No. 1354, belongs to the Society of Medical 
Jurisprudence of the City of New York and is a member and one 
of the organizers of the Bron.x Borough Bar Association. 

HEMAN GERALD CHAPIN, born in Brooklyn, N. Y., 
NovemT)er 27, 1875. family of Puritan stock, tracing its de- 
scent on the one side from Deacon Samuel Chapin. who in 1630 
left Wales for the Massachusetts Colony and on the other from 



I'homas Jerrolds (later clianged to Gerald), a Scotch Cove- 
nanter, who settled in Vermont. Educated at Halsey Collegiate 
School and New York (LL.B. and Prizeman) and University 
Law Schools (LL.M.). Admitted to the bar March I, 1897. 
Married April 7, igoo, Mary Campbell Kno.x, daughter of J. 
Armoy Knox, founder of "Texas Siftings." Was the associate 
editor of the University "Law Review," and is editor of "The 
American Lawyer" and law editor of "The American Banker," 
and of "The Business Man's Magazine and the Bookkeeper." Is 
a professor in Fordham University School of Law, author of 
"Banking Forms," and an edition of the Negotiable Instruments 
.^ct, the Law of Associations, of Citizenship and of Domicile, 
these last three appearing in the Cyclopedia of Law and Proce- 
dure ("Cyc") ; as well as of numerous magazine articles. Was 
joint author with Charles F. Bostwick, of "Minute Book of New 
York Corporations" (two editions). Is member of the Associa 
tion of the Bar of the Borough of the Bronx, Twenty-third 
Ward Property Owners' Association and other public bodies. 

HON. HAL BELL, who resides at Morris Heights, Bronx, 
was born at Shelbyvillc, Kentucky, where his family were 
sojourning. His father, the Rev. Samuel B. Bell, D.D., was a 
native of Orange Co., this State, and his mother, Sophia Brown 
Walworth, a native of Cleveland, Ohio. The family went to 
California, where Mr. Bell's father became a power in develop- 
ing religious and educational influences in that state. Later 
they returned to New York. He is related to Chancellor Wal- 
worth and to William Bradford, the first Governor of Plymouth 
Colony, who came over in the Mayflower. His relations took 
prominent part in the Revolutionary War and in the Civil War. 
Mr. Bell attended the public schools of this city ; graduated from 
Hamilton College and from the Law School of Columbia Uni- 
versity, and ever since has practiced law and lived in New York 
City. In 1897 he was Assistant District Attorney when Hon. 
Wm. M. K. Olcott administered the office under appointment 
of Gov. Black upon the death of the then District Attorney, 
Col. Fellows, in which position Air. Bell made a marked 
impression for his ability as a public prosecutor and his fairness 
and justice. In 1900 he was elected to the Assembly from the 
29th Assembly District, by the largest majority vote ever given 
up to that time in that district. During the winter of 1901 he 
served on the most important Assembly Committees, such as the 
Judiciary, Commerce and Navigation and Federal Relations. 
His work in the Assembly was notable and he was recognized 
as one of the leaders of that body. His constituency desired 
him to continue as Assemblyman, but he declined a re-election 
on account of professional engagements; a Civil Service Com- 
missioner in 1904 and at present one of the State Inheritance 
Transfer Tax Appraisers. He is an ardent Republican, but 
always takes a fair view of public questions. A member of the 
Republican Club of the City of New York, of the Society of 
Medical Jurisprudence, the North Side Board of Trade, the Psi 
Upsilon Fraternity, the Bronx Bar Association, etc. Mr. Bell 
has won an enviable position as a lawyer and advocate ; and 
is widely known as an orator both on the lecture platform and 
in political campaigns. He delivered the oration on June 8, 
1901, at Mt. Hope Cemetery, at the laying of the corner-stone 
of the 71st Regiment Monument to the soldiers of that regiment 
lost in the Cuban W^ar, which is regarded as a masterpiece of 
patriotic eloquence ; and has written a lecture on Lincoln which 
is declared by competent judges to be the best estimate of Lin- 
coln's wonderful career and character that has yet been pro- 
duced. Many of his political addresses have been printed and 
broadly distributed. He has been guilty of some poetic effu- 
sions for which his friends have forgiven him. One, for ex- 




H. GERALD CHAPIN 



II 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



J95 



ample, "Our Country's Flag," has been set to music — a patriotic 
song of highest merit and enthusiastically received by the peo- 
ple wherever heard. The latest, entitled "Saviour Divine," is 
now being musically arranged in the expectation that it will 
prove a great religious song. It is a secret among his acquaint- 
ances that he is writing a novel soon to be published, which it 
is believed, will be singularly interesting and successful. 

HON. PETER J. EVERETT is conspicuous in Bronx- 
Democratic councils. He is an active man politically, belongs 
to a number of the party organizations, and has been honored 
by his fellow citizens of the Thirty-fifth District with a seat in 
the State Assembly. He is an attorney by profession, with 
offices at No. 4 Warren Street, downtown, and has been a resd- 
dent of the borough over ten years. He was born June 29, 1873, 
in this city. Having taken the public school course and gradu 
ated. he chose the law for his profession, and entering the Co- 
lumbia College Law School, was graduated in 1891 at the early 
age of 18. He began practice on reaching his majority, and 
soon achii'vi'd ^in-ce>;s. Elt belnnCTs to the Jefferson Club, the 




HON. PETER J. EVERETT 

Schnorers, the Eagles and other organizations ; is popular and 
capable, with a record, both in public and private life, that com- 
mends him as one of the most promising young men of the dis- 
trict. He is, in short, one of those of whom we are more than 
likely "to hear from hereafter." Mr. Everett married, in Oc- 
tober, 1897, Miss Katherine Martin. They have, however, no 
children. 

CHARLES AUGUST FURTHMAN, LL.B., son of 
Charles August and Meta (Cooper) Furthiuan. of English and 
German descent, was born in New York on January 16, 1872. 
His father died in August, 1883. and thereafter he was thrown 
upon his own resources. He attended the public schools until 
January, 1888, when he entered the law office of Harry Overing- 



ton of New York, as an office boy. He remained in that office 
until January, 1900, working his way up to the place of Manag- 
ing Clerk. Meantime he attended the Harlem evening high 
school in 1888-91, and in the latter year was graduated from 
it, having taken during his course prizes in mathematics and the 
first prize in Latin. He then entered the New York evening 
high school, took prizes in Latin and first honorable mention 
in political economy and in debating, and was graduated with 
honors in 1894. In the fall of 1894 he entered the Law School 
of New York University. In his Junior year he won honorable 




C. A. FURTHMAN 

mention for the Elliott F. Shepard Scholarship. He received 
honorable mention in his Senior examination, and was graduated 
with honors, with the degree of Bachelor of Laws, in June, 1896. 
in February, 1897, he was admitted to the Bar by the Appellate 
Division of the Supreme Court. Since January 2, 1900, he has 
been engaged in practice on his own account, with offices in the 
Smith Building. He was married in October. 1903, to Anna Belle 
Willis, daughter of Mr. Isaac T. Willis. His home is at No. 
680 East 134th Street, Borough of the Bronx, New York City. 

CHARLES PRESTON HALLOCK, attorney for the Bronx 
Borough Bank, is one of the leading lawyers of this part of the 
country. He is a member of the New York Bar Association and 
is vice-president of the Bronx Borough Bar Association, and has 
an extensive general practice. He was born on a farm in the 
town of Riverhead, Suffolk County, N. Y., May 4, 1868, and is 
the son of Charles W. and Phoebe J. Hallock. His preliminary 
education was obtained at the district school and at Riverhead 
Union School, and in the Northville and Franklinville Academies, 
Later he graduated from Williams College with the degree of 
A.B., and from the Law School of the University of New York; 
from the latter in 1893 as LL.B. and the valedictorian of his 
class. That same year he came here to live. He has forged 
rapidly to the front and has achieved social, professional and 
political prominence. He is a member of the Fordham Club and 
a director of the Throggs Neck Country Club, and Phi Delta 
Phi. He has been a member of the Republican County Com- 
mittee for several years. He is clerk and deacon also of Trinity 
Congregational Church. He married September 3, 1895, Miss 




ni 


R^ ^^^^1 




; 1^ ■ T. ^_ja^^^H 


y^ 


i^^^^^H 



HON. HAL BELL 



MICHAEL J. SULLIVAN 





PHARLES PRESTON HALLOCK 



HENRY A. GUMBLETON 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



197 



Jennie A. Young, a daughter of J. Halsey Young, and a sister 
of J. Addison Young, present District Attorney of Westchester 
County. They have live children living, two girls and three boys. 

DAVE HENNEN MORRIS, born in New Orleans in 187J, 
is a son of Jolin A. Morris of Westchester, New York, famous 
as a sugar planter, horseman and capitalist. The Morrises aie 
of old English ancestry, with a Revolutionary strain. An Eng- 
lish preacher, the Rev. John Morris, was chaplain to the Duke 
of Bedford in the middle of the eighteenth century, and held 
the livings of Milton, Bryant and VVoburn in Hertford and 
Bedfordshire. The mother of our subject was a daughter of 
Justice Hennen of Louisiana, and a brother of Dave Hennen, 
author of "Hennen's Digest," after whom Dave Hennen Morris 
was named. Mr. Morris s early education was obtained in 
France and Gtrniany, and under private tutors in America. Ho 
entered Harvard in iSyo, but, owing to illness, was obliged 
to suspend his studies and spend a year in travel, and later, 
still not being vveil enougli to continue at Harvard, he took in- 
stead a special course in the New York Homeopathic Medical 
College and became one of the surgical assistants at Hellniutii 
House. Some time later he was chosen president of the New 
York Medical College and Hospital for Women, a department 
of New York University; and in 1892 he found himself well 
enough to return to Harvard. He was a member while there 
of the "Dickey," Alpha Delta Phi, "Pudding," and other clubs 
and received a "Delta" prize in his sophomore year, for geneial 
excellence. He was married, as a junior, to Alice Vanderbilt 
Shepard, daughter of Col. Elliott F. Shepard, of the New York 
"Mail and Express." He kept house in Cambridge during his 
senior year and graduated magna cum laude in i8g6. Subse- 
quently he was admitted to the bar as a graduate of the New 
York Law School, and has been practicing ever since. He has 
taken an active interest in politics at the family home in West- 
chester. He was nominated for Senator there in the last Bryan 
year, but was defeated. He is a partner with his brother in the 
well known racing firm of A. H. & D. H. Morris, which has 
inherited the celebrated Morris "all scarlet" colors, first made 
famous by the great Barbarity mares, "Remorseless," "Ruthless," 
"Relentless" and "Regardless," three generations ago by their 
grandfather, Francis Morris. He is the manager also of the 
Morris Park Race Track property, instituted by his father for 
the New York Jockey Club, the fashionable track for many 
years, but now about to be abandoned for real estate improve- 
ment. He manages also the Morris Building, and is interested in 
the family holdings in New Orleans, consisting of the St. Charles 
Hotel, the "Cora," "Morris," "Hennen" and other office build- 
ings. He owns with his brother the Morris Ranch in Texas, 
devoted to cotton, cattle, thoroughbred horses and angoras, 
which, with its cotton press and gin, flouring mills, school, pre- 
paratory to the university, church service, liquor prohibition and 
other features, may well be described as a model cornmunity. 
A musical virtuoso, he was concert master of the Pierian 
Sodality at Harvard ; professional musicians, with whom he 
plays, come to his house cnce a week. He is a yachtsman, was 
part owner of the "Cora," maintains a Louisiana hunting preserve, 
"Mt. Hennen," has bred and raced horses that have won such 
stakes as the "Belmont," "Realization," "Metropolitan" and 
"Withers," was a pioneer automobilist, one of the first mem- 
bers in fact of the Automobile Club and niow is president, and a 
participant in the sport when the machines were crude indeed. 
He has been acting chairman of the race committee and one of 
the governors of the club for years. He belongs also to the 
Metropolitan Club, the University, the Racquet and other New 
York social organizations, and has been "Rex" or king of the 



world renowned New Orleans Mardi Gras- Carnival. He is the 
father of four children, three boys and a girl, and lives in 
modest style at 269 West Seventy-second Street, New York, or 
at his summer home at Bar Harbor. 

GUSTAVE FREY', a member of the bar, and a practicing 
attorney for the past four years in the Bronx, was born in New 
Y'ork City July 24, 1879. After graduating at Grammar School 
No. 25, on East Fifth Street, of New York City, he entered the 




GUSTAVE FREY 

old Gunther School of Social Economics, and received the equiva- 
lent there of a high school graduation. Choosing the law as a 
profession, he entered the New York University and in 1900 
graduated therefrom, receiving the degree of L. C. B. In politics 
Mr. Frey has been classified as a Republican. Although not 
taking any active part in political afifairs, he has never failed to 
individually support a Republican administration. He has never 
taken unto himself a life partner, but is absolutely wedded to 
his own profession, in which he has gradually and by close ap- 
plication to his duties, enrolled on his books a large and influ- 
ential clientage, especially amongst the German residents of this 
borough. 

HENRY A. GUMBLETON.— This gentleman, a prominent 
figure in the Democratic ranks for more than twenty years, and 
an official during part of that time, a member, too, of many or- 
ganizations of the borough, hardly needs an introduction. He 
was born September 14, 1846, in New York City, and was edu- 
cated in the public schools and Free Academy, and in the Col- 
lege of the Cily of New Y'ork. He graduated from Columbia 
College Law Scl'.col in 1879, and has been a resident of the 
borough for twenty years. He was County Clerk from 1876 to 
1S70 and Chairman of the Board of Assessors in 1883 and 1884. 
At present he is secretary to Louis F. Haffen, President of the 
borough, a position next the diief, considering the growth and 
development now poing on, of no small importance. He be- 
longs to the Democratic Club and the Taumiany Society, the 
far l.iuKd Schnorers, the Columbian Order and other organiza- 
tions. 

FREDERICK WILLIAM HOTTENROTH, an able and 
well known young lawyer, with a well established practice, was 
born in New York City on September 10, 1879, and has resided 




D. HENNEN MORRIS 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



J99 



In tlie Bronx since his early youth. After graduating from the 
public schools and the College of the City of New York, he 
attended the New York Law School. Upon admission to the 
bar, he became affiliated with his brother, Hon. Adolph C. 
Ilottenroth, a junior member of the firm of A. C. & F. W. 
Hottenroth, for the general practice of law. They have been 
especially successful in corporation, municipal and real estate 
law, and proceedings for the taking of property for public use. 
Politically a Democrat, his interest in the cause has been evi- 
denced by well received speeches in favor of the party and its 
candidates. Professional, political and social interest are mani- 
fested in his club life, he being a member of the Jefiferson, 
Schnorer, West Morrisania and Bronx Automobile Clubs, the 
Bar Association of the Bronx, the North Side Board of Trade 
and the Twenty-third Ward Property Owners' Association, in 
both of which latter he is a member of the Executive Committee. 
As secretary of the Henry F. A. Wolf Company and of the 
Sandrock Realty Company he is brought closely in touch with 
real estate interests. He has occupied successively the positions 
of secretary and treasurer of the United States Title Guaranty 
and Indemnity Company. His marriage on April 15. 1903, to 
Marguerite Liebertz, was one of the brilliant social affairs of the 
Bronx. They have two daughters, Helene Kathryn and Con- 
stance Marion. 

J, WILSON BRYANT, one of the most successful mem- 
bers of the Bar of Bronx Borough, was born at Saratoga 
Springs, N. Y., August 4, 1871. 'l"he name of Bryant is well 
known and highly esteemed throughout the borough. In 1874 
the father of this biographical sketch settled in Mott Haven 
and engaged in the manufacture of carriages, meeting with 
success from the start. J. Wilson Bryant came with his father 
to the Bronx at the early age of three years and received his 
early education at the public schools, after which he entered the 
new grammar school No. 85, and by close application soon be- 
came leader of his class and was graduated in 1889. In the 
same year he entered the Law School of Columbia College, and 
took up the study of the law under Professor Dwight, graduat- 
ing therefrom in 1892 with the degree of LL.B. He was popu- 
lar with his associates in college and became historian of his 
class. After leaving Columbia he was employed in the office of 
ex-Judge James R. Angel, and in 1892, after a thorough exami- 
nation, he was admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court, De- 
partment of New York City, at the age of twenty-one years. 
He then became a member of the firm of Angel & Bryant, which 
continued until Judge Angel's death in October, 1899, since 
which time Mr. Bryant has been constantly engaged in the prac- 
tice of his profession. Mr. Bryant has been counsel in several 
extraordinary cases of litigation, the inost important of which 
was the celebrated Kittell bankruptcy case before the United 
States Supreme Court ; the Wilson Trusts, Otto Guardianship 
cases and Donohue Litigation before the Court of Appeals, in 
all of which he earned an enviable reputation for legal ability, 
energy and tact. Mr. Bryant is a Past Master of Lily Lodge, 
No. 342, F. and .\. M. ; Past Chancellor of Adelphic Lodge, K. 
of P. ; representative to the Grand Lodge, and at present 
Deputy Grand Chancellor of the State of New York. He is 
also a member of the Webster Literary Society; the Taxpayers' 
Alliance, being one of its charter members; the Craftsmen's 
Club of New Y'ork; Keystone of Pennsylvania, and Bedford of 
Delaware. Mr. Bryant has his offices in the Bryant Building, 
located at the junction of Third and Morris Avenues and 139th 
Street. 



ARTHUR HUWARU WAUlCK.— Mr. Wadick is a success- 
ful attorney and counselor .it law, and a resident of the Bronx 
since May, 18S1. He is a son of Richard and Mary Ann Wadick, 
both deceased. He was born in Jer.scy City, New Jersey, De- 
cember 19, 1874. He received his education in the Public School 
of Williamsbridge and the New \ork University Law School, 
graduating from the latter school in the class of 1898 with the 
degree of LL. B. and was admitted to the bar the same year. 
In politics he is a Republican, nut has never sought office; in 
religion he is of the Catholic faith, and is a member of the 
Brownson Catholic Club. He married, June 23, 1903, Miss Mary 
iMtz-Simons MoUoy. 

HARRY OVERINGTON, one of the lawyers of the Bronx, 
was born in the borough in 1858. His education was begun in 
the public schools of that district and finished m the higher 
branches at New York University, from which he graduated in 
1879. Upon leaving college he entered the law office of Stanley 
Brown Clarke, 16 Wall Street. There he remained until he 
established himself in the profession in the Bronx. His offices 
are in the Haffen Building, Willis and Third Avenues and 
148th Street. He makes a specialty of real estate law and has 
a large and profitable practice. At one time he was the Bronx 
manager of the Lawyers' Title Insurance Company, but retired 
from that position in 1904. Politically he is classed as an Inde- 
pendent Republican. Air. Overington is the sixth of a family 
of seven children. He married Mary McGuflfog, of New York, 
in 1886. By her he had two children, Jessie and Helen. She 
died in 1889, and his mother two years later. In 1900 he mar- 
ried Miss Maude A. Miller. By this second union he has one 
child, born in 1902, and named for her mother. His father, 
Thomas Overington, who lives with him, though well advanced 
in years, at 81 is still hale and hearty. He is a well known 
building contractor, to whoin is to be credited the construction 
of many important structures in New York and vicinity; ware- 
houses, office buildings, fine residences, schools, churches, 
armories, etc., among them. Half a dozen or more of the church- 
es in Harlem were built by him, and one in the Bronx, Bethany 
Church at 137th Street and Willis Avenue. 

CHARLES LEWIS ULLMAN, attorney at law and real 
estate operator and broker, of 502 Willis Avenue, with offices also 
on lower Broadway, for the past eight years has been a resident 
of Bronxwood Park, Williamsbridge. He has been established 
in the Bronx since the fall of 1892. He is a native of New 
Haven, Conn., born there April 15, 1854. He received his edu- 
cation there in the Eaton Public School, and in Dr. Thomas' 
Private School, later taking up the higher branches in Felsen- 
ihal's Scientific .Academy, Westville, Conn. He is a graduate 
of Yale Law School in the class of 1878, and has been an active 
practitioner since then as a member of the Connecticut and New 
York bars. He was councilman and assistant district attorney 
and for many years a trial justice of the peace in New Haven. 
While not an active politician here, he has leanings toward the 
Social Democracy. In the last presidential election he voted for 
Tom Watson, the People's Party candidate. Mr. Ullman is a 
u'ember of a number of organizations, fraternal and social ; 
chiefly the following among them : K. O. J. and Harmonic 
clubs of New Haven, the Thirteen Club of New York, the I. O. 
li. B., Odd Fellows, Masons and Red Men. In religious faith he 
is an Israelite. 

MAURICE J. McCarthy. Ph. D., was born at Dungarvan, 
County Waterford, Ireland, and came to this country when about 



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FREDERICK WILLIAM HOTTENROTH 



J. WILSON BRYANT 




PATRICK HENRY CLUNE 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



201 



twelve years of age. His father, Charles McCarthy, was the 
well-known dry goods merchant of that town. Through his 
mother, Mary J. CoUender, he is a cousin of the famous billiard 
and pool table manufacturer, Hugh Collender, of the Brunswick- 
Balke-Collender Co. He was educated at La Salle Academy 
and afterwards attended the College of St. Francis Xavier, where 
he graduated in '99, receiving the degree of A. B. He took the 
post-graduate course and received his A. M. the following year. 
After his graduation from college he began his career by teaching 
in our public schools, being appointed to P. S. 61, at 169th 
Street and Third Avenue. Whilst he was teaching he took a 
graduate course at Fordham University and received the degree 
of Doctor of Philosophy. During his four years as a teacher 
in the public schools, he found sufficient time to take the eve- 
ning course at the New York Law School, from which he 
graduated in 1902, and in the same year was admitted to the 
bar. Seeing that a brighter future was in store, he resigned his 
position as teacher and began the practice of law. During his 
college career he took a keen and active interest in athletics. He 
played fullback on the college eleven for three years and also 
played on the baseball team. In track athletics he won the third 
prize for points in the all-around championship of the college. 
Besides taking an active part in college athletics, he devoted liis 
energies and efforts for furthering the interest of sport in the 
Bronx. During the years '96 and '99 he played fullback on the 
crack eleven, the Dreadnaughts, and was unanimously elected 
captain the latter three years, during which time the Dread- 
naughts, under his management, achieved the singular distinc- 
tion of being the strongest team in New York, and achieved re- 
markable victories throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and 
Connecticut. He also managed the baseball team for two years. 
After his graduation from college his love for athletics was so 
strong that he did not abandon the sport, but put into practice 
what he learned during his younger career and assumed the 
responsibility of Director of Track Athletics at Fordham, through 
Rev. Father Boyle, S. J. The "Fordham Monthly," in its his- 
tory of athletics, relates that Mr. McCarthy took a very hvely 
interest ni the progress of the candidates and under his coach- 
ing and encouragement, succeeded in developing the latent talent 
of athletics in Fordham, and after devoting himself to the work 
of coach for tive years, he succeeded in bringing this branch of 
athletics in the college to its present high standard of proficiency. 
The Track Association took the responsibility of holding an 
open set of games, an enterprise never before attempted in the 
history of the college, the very object for which Mr. McCarthy 
during the previous years was devoting his energies and efforts 
to accomplish. Accordingly, on April 16, 1904, Fordham ran 
off one of the most attractive games of the season. During his 
term as director there was hardly a meet held that the Fordham 
members did not carry off a prize. He also coached the St. 
Peter's of Brooklyn in football, and, as the Brooklyn "Eagle" 
describes, won the respect and admiration of those under his 
charge. Turning from athletics, he is much interested in local 
affairs, and perceiving that the growing vicinity of Tremont was 
badly in need of a local club, he organized the Star Democratic 
Club, which organization elected him as their president. He is 
a member of the Catholic Club, Fordham Club, Xavier Alumni, 
Fordham Alumni, Knights of Columbus, Irish American Athletic 
and the Shrewsbury Ice Boat and Yacht Clubs. 

JOHN JOSEPH HY.^IES, Attorney and Counselor at Law, 
has been a resident of the L'ronx for twenty-two of his thirty- 
four years. He has his lesidence in Fordham and his offices 



at 181 Broadway, down town, and at Third Avenue and 148th 
Street, Bron.x. He is a graduate of the City College and of the 
University of the City of New York, holding the degree of LL. 
B. and LL. M. He is a Democrat, but has never held public 
office. He belongs to the Schnorer Club, the High Bridge Demo- 
cratic Club, the Fordham Club, the Twenty-third Ward Property 
Owners' A:;sociation, the Fligh Bridge Improvement Association, 
the "Friends of Erin" of the Bronx, the Knights of Columbus, the 
Bronx Bar Association, the Delta Phi and the Fraternity Club. 
He married, April 23, 1903, Miss Minnie Clarkson. They hav;: 
no children. 

T. EMORY CLOCKE, attorney, of 2022 Boston Road, is 
the son and partner of G. DeWitt Clocke, a lawyer who has 
been practicing in New York since 1864. Mr. Clocke himself 
was raised in the Bronx and was an attendant in his youthful 
days of Public School No. 63. He was admitted to City Col- 
lege in 1889 when he was 14, and attended Dwight School 
during 18S9 and 1S90. He graduated from the New York Uni 




T. EMORY CLOCKE 

versity Law School with the degree of LL. B. in 1896 and was 
admitted to the bar the following year. He is a notary and a 
charter member of the Bar Association of the Borough of the 
Bronx and in politics an Independent. He was married, August 
19, 1896, to Miss Sadie A. Borland and resides at 1199 Boston 
Road. He has a growing practice and the most promising pros- 
pects of success. 

EVERETT L. BARNARD, lawyer, of 247 Broadway, was 
until recently a resident of the Bronx, and still retains his busi- 
ness interests Here. He was born in Calais, Me., thirty years 
ago, and is a graduate of Yale University and Columbia Law 
School. He has been a New Yorker seventeen years. He is a 
Republican, a member of the Yale Club, the Elihu Club and of 
one or more of the college fraternities, of the North Side Board 
of Trade, the Bar Association of New York and the Bar Asso- 
ciation of the Bronx, and is a man of family. He married in 
1901 Thevina Townsend. They have two children, Lucy and 
Louise. 

ANDREW D. PARKER, a lawyer, born in New York 
December 4, 1859, and a resident of the Bronx about all his 




MAURICE J. MCCARTHY 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



203 



life, is treasurer of the new Port Morris wholesale produce 
market elsewhere mentioned. Mr. Parker is a graduate of the 
schools of New York and has the sheepskin of Columbia Law 
School. He is a Democrat and has held a number of positions, 
among them the following: Private secretary to the Collector 
of the Port of New York; chairman of the Federal Board of 
Livil Service, Police Commissioner of New Y'ork and assistant 
district attorney. 

ANTHONY JEROME GRIFFIN, born in New York City 
April I, 1866, was educated in the public schools, College of the 
City of New York, Cooper Union and the University of the City 
of New York, from which institution he received the degree of 
LL. B. Studied law in the otiice of General D. E. Sickles and 
was admitted to the bar in 189J. lie began his career as a civil 
engineer and surveyor and has always manifested considerable 
aptitude in mechanics; has invented several devices in transpurta 
tion, the latest being in connection with safety devices for sub- 
marine vessels, one of which has so far been adopted by the 
United States Government. He has resided in the Bronx since 
1895. His law practice has been largely in the civil branches, 
although he has figured conspicuously in some important crimi- 
nal proceedings. His experience in the army naturally directed 
his energies to military law, in which he is regarded as some- 
what of an expert, and has acted as counsel in many noted mili- 
tary trials. In addition to this ne has a large and remunerative 
general practice; is known among the judiciary and the members 
of his profession as a careful, painstaking and successful advo- 
cate. In 1888 he joined the Twelfth Regiment and in 1891 he 
was elected second lieutenant. In 1895 he was elected first lieu- 
tenant in the Sixty-ninth Regimenl. In 1898 he raised Company 
F. of the Sixty-ninth Regiment and was commissioned captain 
of the company on May 2, 1898; went to the front and served 
with the regiment during the Spannish-American war. Captain 
Griffin has been considerable of a bibliophile and accumulated a 
library of over three thousand volumes, consisting of many rare 
and valuable works which were practically entirely destroyed in 
the conflagration which devastated an entire block on Cauldwell 
Avenue on the morning of the blizzard of January 26, 1905. In 
politics Mr. Griffin is a Democrat. He is a member of the Bar 
Association, the Brownson Catholic Club, Cooper Union Alumni, 
New \"ork University Alumni, Knights of Columbus, Royal 
Arcanum, Modern Woodmen of America, Old Guard Camp of 
United Spanish War Veterans. On October 23, 1895, Mr. Griffin 
married Miss Kathrcine L. Byrne. I'liey attend St. Peter and St. 
Paul's Church of St. Ann's Avenue and reside at 891 Cauldwell 
Avenue. Mr. Griffin's law offices arc at 140 Nassau Street 

JOHN FRANCIS O'RYAN was born in New York City 
August 2ist, 1875, the son of Francis O'Ryan, an instructor of 
Latin and Greek. His mother's maiden name was Anna Barry. 
Mr. O'Ryan hc;s been a resident of the Bron.v from the time he 
was a small boy. He was graduated from old Public School 
No. 61 in the class of 1890, receiving the Folz medal for general 
proficiency in studies, and was valedictorian of his class at 
graduation. He subsequently spent three years at the College 
of the City of New Y'ork and thereafter studied law at the 
University Law School. While at college Mr. O'Ryan was 
prominent in athletics and won a number of prizes in athletic 
contests. He was admitted to the Bar in 1897. Mr. O'Ryan 
was an attorney for some years in the Law Department of the 
Western Union Telegraph Company and had charge in that 
office of important legal matters affecting the interests of that 
company and allied corporations. He left the Law Department 



of the Western Union Company in 1899 to form with J. Arthur 
Corbin, the assistant to the general attorney of the company, the 
law firm of Corbin & O'Ryan. The firm has a large general 
practice with offices in the St. Paul Building in Manhattan. In 
politics Mr. O'Ryan is a Democrat and has taken an active part 
in the campaigns. He has never held public office except that 
for a short time he served as private secretary to the late James 
McCartney while Commissioner of Street Cleaning. Mr. O'Ryan 
is a member of the Bar Association of the Bronx, the Delta 
L'psilon Club of New York, the Schnorer Club, the Military 
Service Institute of the United States, the Knights of Coi'im- 
bus and other organizations. He served in the Seventh Regi- 
ment for four years and was thereupon commissioned as second 
lieutenant in the Second Battery of ArtilLry, National Guard of 
this Stale, lie is now first lieutenant of the battery which is 
quartered in the Bron.x. He has written some extensive trea- 
tises on military subjects w.iich ha\e appeared in the Journal of 
the Military Service of the United States. He has also written 
a legal digest of telegraph cases. He is an expert horseman and 
pistol shot. In 1902 Mr. O'Ryan married Jeannette Holmes, the 
daughter of Dr. John F. Holmes of the Bronx. Mr. and Mrs. 
O'Ryan have two children. 

RANDALL COMFORT was horn in this district when 
it was the old Town of Morrisania. In 1892 he graduated with 
Innors from Columbia College. .'Vfter making a tour of the 




RANDALL COMFORT 

greater part of Europe, he eiUercd the New York Law School, 
three years subsequently receiving his diploma as attorney and 
counselor and becoming a member of the New Y'ork Bar. In 
addition to his professional duties, he has given much of his 
time to literature, making a specialty of examining and photo- 
graphing historical subjects. Finding the upper part of Man- 





WILLIAM J. MILLARD 



HARRY OVERINGTON 





CHARLES LEWIS ULLMAN 



J. J. HYNES 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



205 



hattan Island friiilful in relics of tlie past, he has devoted a 
part of his leisure in carefully exploring its many antiquities, 
occasionally giving the results of his works to the public press, 
or through the medium of lectures to the various historical and 
civic societies of New York City. He has contrived to inter 
est his fellow citizens, as they have never before been interested. 
in this his favorite work, showing to them that they had in their 
midst many charming reminiscences of ante-Revolutionary days. 
which had hitherto been overlooked or entirely forgotten. In 
the Bronx, amid the cascades and deep recesses of its large parks 
he has discovered old Indian caves and fortifications and has 
given them a local habitation and a name. While not forgetting 
the manor houses of tlie Morris family, he has sought to bring 
into prominence the earlier homes and haunts of Bronck and 
his fellow burghers, the first settlers of the wild forests north 
of the "Harlem" River. In a few words he has made his own 
section of Greater New York historical. 

PETER ASHWIN SHIEL.— Prominent as a successful and 
able lawyer throughout the Boroug'h of the Bronx, and the Alder- 
man of the Forty-fourth Aldermanic uistrict, was born at Ford- 
ham, New York City, May 31, 1874. He is a graduate of the 
Williamsbridge Public School and Manhattan College and New 
Vork Law School. As a lawyer Mr. Shiel is a careful and 
judicious counsellor. His practice is general and owing to his 
great success in securing his trial and other cases, he has built 
up a large and influential clientage, besides commanding the 




PETER ASHWIN SHIEL 

respect and confidence of the judges before whom he appears. 
."Vi a representative of the people in the city legislative board 
he was an active and vigorous worker for the rights of the 
people, and for the advancement of all public improvements, par- 
ticularly for such legislation that applies to the progress of the 
Borough of the Bronx. Mr. Shiel is a lojal Democrat and a 
member of the Knights of Columbus, 'i'hrough his constant 
agitation and perseverance an extension of the Rapid Transit 
system has been adopted on White Plains Avenue through Wil- 
liamsbridge and Wakefield. 



JOHN DAVIS, the second son of Thomas Davis and Isa- 
bella Mercer, was born on July 3, 1859, on his father's farm 
near Hillsborough, County Down, Ireland, which has been in the 
possession of his family for over two hundred and fifty years. 
He is a descendant of John Davis, who, with two brothers, emi- 
grated to Ireland from Wales in or about the year 1650 and 
settled in County Down. Thomas Davis, the Irish patriot and 




JOHN DAVIS 

poet of the Young Ireland Party, was a descendant of one of 
these brothers. John Davis attended the Maze School and com- 
pleted his education in 1876 at the Boys' School, Hillsborough, 
working in the meantime on his father's farm. He had been 
destined by his parents from childhood for the ministry of the 
Presbyterian Church, but the illness and subsequent death of 
his father prevented the fulfillment of this design, and on Janu- 
ary I, 1877, he entered the ofiice of W. H. Milligan & Co., a 
manufacturing house in Belfast, Ireland, where he remained until 
August, 1882. On the 19th of the same month he sailed for the 
United States of America, landing in New York City ten days 
later, and on the loth of September he secured a clerical posi- 
tion with a mercantile house. On November i, 1886, Mr. Davis 
accepted the offer of a position as clerk in the office of Root & 
Strong, attorneys at law, the firm comprising Hon. Elihu Root, 
present Secretary of State ; Theron G. Strong, Samuel B. Clark 
and Charles F. Mathewson. Here he remained until the dissolu- 
tion of the firm, when he became managing clerk for the law 
firm of Strong, Harmon & Mathewson, a position which he re- 
tained until the partnership was dissolved on October i, 1898, 
since which time he has been practicing alone. In the meantime 
he had studied law, and had been admitted to the bar on No- 
vember 24. 1803. In March. i88g, he changed his place of resi- 
dence from Manhattan to that part of the Bronx which is now 
known as the Thirty-eighth Aldermanic District, where he still 





tkNhST R. ECKLEY 



ANTHONY J. GRIFFIN 





JOHN FRANCIS O RYAN 



EVERETT L. BARNARD 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



207 



resides. While he is a general legal practitioner, Mr. Davis has 
devoted himself very largely to practice in the Surrogate's 
Court and to real estate business, and through honesty, indus- 
try and sound common sense has acquired an extensive and 
lucrative clientele, recruited to a great extent by his neighbors 
in the Bronx, who have learned to place reliance on his judg- 
ment and to follow with confidence his advice in business mat- 
ters. In politics Mr. Davis is a Democrat, with independent 
views. He has been for some time, and is at present, chair- 
man of the Citizens' Union organization of the Thirty-eighth 
.■\ldermanic District, and is recognized as an advocate of the 
non-partisan administration of municipal afifairs, but he has never 
run for or held a public office. He is a charter member of the 
Bar Association of the Borough of the Bronx, a member of the 
City Club of New York, of Suburban Council of Royal Ar- 
caninu. of the Masonic Order, and of the Longwood Club. He 
cares little for social functions, his principal recreations being 
golf in sunnner and bowling in winter. He is a Presbyterian in 
faith, but attends the North New York Congregational Church. 
He is married, and has four children, Thomas G., a medical 
student at Cornell University; John and Isabella Mercer, stu- 
dents at the Morris High School, and Franklin S., who is in 
the graduating class of Public School No. 31, Borough of the 
Bronx. 

MICHAEL J. COONEY, a prominent lawyer of West- 
chester X'iilage, Borough of the Bronx, was born in Ireland 
.^pril ig. 1865. He was graduated at the law school of the 
University of New ^'ork and admitted to the bar in the State 
of New York in igoi. For the past nineteen years he has been 




MICHAEL J. COONEY 

a resident of the Borough of the Bronx; he has built up a very 
large and successful law practice. He has always taken a deep 
interest in political matters, and has always been active and 
prominent in local politics. In 1904 he received his party's 
nomination for Alderman and after an exciting and at the 
same time gentlemanly canvass was defeated by a small margin. 
ilis competitor, h'rank Gass, has been in office since annexation 
Always a sterling Democrat, he is one of the active members 
of the well known Chippewa Club. On March 6, 1892, Mr. 



Cooney married Miss Veronica Hallett and has two children, 
Genevieve and Raymond Cooney. By his pleasing personality 
,\Ir. CtMjney has made himself very popular in the community, 
and as a successful advocate he is considered to be one of the 
most promising attorneys in the Borough of the Bronx. 

FREDERICK HOBBES ALLEN, attorney, formerly 
Corporation Counsel of Pelham Manor, and now president of the 
village, has been a resident there about twelve years and is 
one of the notables of that vicinity. He is a son of Hon. Elisha 
11. Allen, who, at the time of his death, in January, 1883, was 
Minister Plenipotentiary at Washington from the Hawaiian Is- 
lands and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps at the National Capitol. 
Mr. Allen himself was born at Honolulu, Hawaii, forty-four 
years ago. He was sent to school in his youth in Switzerland 
and Germany and graduated from Harvard with the degrees of 
-A.M.. and LL.B. During his father's term of service he acted 
as Secretary of Legation and charge d'affairs. On his father's 
death he came to New York to practice law. He is chairman 
of the Democratic Committee of Westchester County. He be- 
longs to the Country Club of Westchester, the Union, Demo- 
cratic, Knickerbocker and Reform Clubs of New York, and to 
the Society of the Colonial Wars and Sons of the Revolution. 
He married, June 30, 1892, Miss Adele Livingston Stevens, of 
New York. They have six children, two boys and four girls. 

WILLIAM J. MILLARD, attorney, of 1585 Washington 
avenue, Bronx, has been an assistant corporation counsel since 
1898. He was born in Chester, Orange County, N. Y., and 
prepared for college at the Yonkers High School. He gradu- 
ated from Columbia University — the regular academic course — 
in 1894 with honors, and from the New York Law School in 
1898. He was admitted to the bar that same year. Mr. Millard 
has lived here nine years. He is a Democrat and member of 
the Jefferson Tammany Club of the 35th Assembly District, a 
charter member of the Bar Association of the Bronx, a mem- 
ber I if the Psi Upsilon College Fraternity, the Masonic Order, 
and the A. O. U. W., and ol the Methodist Episcopal Church 
He was married April 25, 1899, to Miss Edna L. Kirk. His 
down town offices are in 119 Nassau Street. 

HON. WILLIAM EPHRAIM MORRIS, of Fordham. 
in the Bronx, is an ex-Assemblyman of the State and City 
Alderman, and as an old campaigner in public affairs one of the 
most conspicuous figures of the borough. He is the son of the 
late William E. Morris, a well known comedian who, for many 
years, was a member of the firm of Morris Brothers, proprietors 
and managers of several theatres in Boston, Pittsburg and St. 
Louis. He was born in Boston, Mass., in 1858, educated in the 
public schools of that city, and subsequently attended the Law 
School of the New York University, class of '86. At the age 
(if 17 he was enrolled in Troop "M," Seventh Regiment, U. S. 
Cavalry, commanded by Gen. George A. Custer; participated with 
Reno's Battalion in the battle of the Little Big Horn (Cluster 
Massacre), June 25 and 26, 1876, incurring therein a gunshot 
wound of the left breast. He also participated in the campaign 
against the Nez Perces in 1877, serving under Gen. Nelson A. 
Miles. He is past National Commander of the Regular Army 
and Navy Veterans, and a first Lieut, of the 69th Regiment, N. 
G. S. N. Y'. ; also of Fordham Council, No. 1412, Royal Arcanum, 
and Aerie No. 40, Fraternal Order of Eagles. He was admitted 
to the bar of this State in 1886, and has practiced law in this 
city continually since then. He represented the 35th Assembly 
District in the Legislature of 1900, and among other measures 




HON. WILLIAM EPHRAIM MORRIS 





THOMAS C. PATTERSON 



FREDERICK HOBBES ALLEN 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



209 



introduced and secured the passage of a bill appropriating $10,000 
to pay the employees of this city who served in the Spanish- 
American war their per diem, or other wages, while in the 
service of the United States. The major portion of said appro- 
priation was paid to residents of the Bronx. He advocated the 
passage of the bill to make the Borough Presidents members 
of the Board of Estimate and Apportionment, also all measures 
in the interest of organized labor, and opposed the Mortgage 
Tax Bill and the bill to tax savings bank accounts. Mr. Morris 
settled in New York twenty-seven years ago, and has had his 
home in the Bronx for ten years. He is a staunch and devoted 
Democrat, a man whose opinions have weight in the party coun- 
cils. He married December 7, 1879, Miss Sarah Kench and 
has one son living, Wm. E., Jr. 

AUGUST P. WAGENER is one of the best known lawyers 
in the metropolitan district. He was born in the City of Phila- 
delphia April 5, 1850. At an early age he moved to New York 
City, where he was educated and began the practice of the law in 
1870. Mr. Wagener lived for many years on the East Side, 
where he built up a large and lucrative practice and made many 
warm friends, wliich he still retains. He moved to the Bronx 




AUGUoT P. WACE.JER 

in iijoo and opened a branch law office at No. 297 Alexander 
Avenue. His main office is situated at 49-51 Chambers Street, 
where he remains every day until 5 p. m. Mr. Wagener has 
taken an active part in Republican politics and in 1892 ran for 
Congress against the late S. S. Cox, and although polling a large 
vote was defeated. Mr. Wagener is considered a careful and 
conscientious attorney and held in high regard by the members 
of his profession. 

MICHAEL J. SULLIVAN, lawyer, and a member of the 
local school board for District 23, has held with credit other of- 
ficial positions. He was an attache of the Tenth District Court, 



under Judge McCrea for six years, and was assistant district at- 
torney of New York County three years. He was bom and 
brought up and went to school here, and has been a man of note 
in his profession for a lengthy period. He was born March 30. 
1868. In his youth he attended the Christian Brothers schcwl in 
the old town of Morrisania and St. Jerome's school at 138th 
Street and Alexander Avenue, and he graduated from St. 
John's College, Fordham, in 1888. He graduated from the Nevi- 
York Law School, Columbia College, in 1889, and was admitted 
to practice the same year. He is a member of the Knights of 
Columbus', the Catholic Benevolent Association, the Brownson 
Catholic Club, Schnorer Club, and the Bronx Bar Association. 
On July 3, 1895, he married Miss Addie A. McGrath. They have 
two children living, a boy and a girl and one dead. 

ERNEST R. ECKLEY, attorney, of 43 Wall Street, Man- 
hattan, is a resident of the Bronx with large real estate interests 
of speculative character in that borough. Although now a highly 
successful practitioner and business man besides, his start was 
not eflfected without heavy personal sacrifice. In 1892 while 
reading law, he acted as night operator in the Tremont Tele- 
phone Exchange and at the same time was clerk during the day 
for his present law partner, G. M. Brooks. Mr. Eckley was 
born March 3, 1874. He attended the Brandin Graded School 
up to 1892 and then began to study law in the New York Law 
School. In 189s he took the examination, received his degree, 
was admitted and began practice. In 1904 he joined the Bronx 
Bar Association. He is a director of the Eckley School, Brook- 
lyn, treasurer of the Eckley Dental Supply Co., and a trustee 
of the Mt. Hope M. E. Church. He is a Republican in politics; 
as yet, unmarried. 

THOMAS C. PATTERSON.— Mr. Patterson is more or 
less actively identified with politics in the Bronx, though not an 
office holder. He is a Democrat and a member of Tammany 
Hall, the Jefferson Club and other party organizations. He is a 
lawyer, and as such a member of the Bronx Bar Association, 
and, among other bodies, is enrolled in the Gentlemen's Sons' 
Club, the Cortlandt Bowling Club, the Royal Arcanum and M. 
E. Church. Mr. Patterson was born December 18, 1862, in 
Brantford, Canada. He is a graduate of the High School at 
Point St. Charles, Montreal, Canada, and of New York Uni- 
versity, class of i8qG. He has been a resident of the Bronx 
about six years. He has been twice married — to Miss Helene 
Lane, April 12. 1882, who died in 1891, and on October 18, 1893, 
to Miss Frances M. Durschany. By his first marriage he has one 
child living, Herbert Cecil ; by the second, three, Thos. Conrad, 
Henry Lawrence and James Andrew. Mr. Patterson was First 
Lieutenant Conip.Tny C, 12th Regiment, N. G.. N. Y., and received 
many medals for sharpshooting; he also possesses the State 
Sharpshooters' badge — a high distinction. This badge was 
awarded in 1891. He saw active service in the late Buffalo rail- 
road strike. Mr. Patterson is an inventor, and an expert in 
patent causes, and has several inventions in the Patent Office 
pending at the present time. Two of his inventions which have 
been granted are the cruller and doughnut cutting machine and a 
machinists' lathe — both being in general use. 

SIDWELL S. RANDALL.— Sidwell S. Randall was born at 
Albany in the year 1838. In 1854 he came to New York with 
his father, who for fifty years was identified with the educational 
interests of the State and for a long time was City Superintend- 
ent of Schools in New York City. Sidwell S. Randall studied 
law with Henry Bennett in 1S56. but other pursuits occupied his 
time and attention until about 1879, when he entered Columbia 
College Law School under the tuition of Professor Dwight and 



210 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



was formally admitted to the bar in the following year. Long 
before this he came to Morrisania, and foreseeing its future 
growth and having a firm belief that this borough would in time 
rival Brooklyn in population, he entered heart and soul into 
every local improvement that would further its interests. Though 
successful in lowering the rates of fare on the Harlem Railroad, 
he felt that the true solution of cheap and frequent transit be- 
tween the upper and lower parts of the city would be better pro- 
moted by the Elevated Railway, and so he gave his strongest 
efforts in that direction. He is a firm believer in and a strong 
advocate of the New York and Portchester Railroad, having no 
doubt of its ultimate success in securing a right of way through 
the Bronx. Earnestly opposing the plan of making the Harlem 
River a ship canal, Mr. Randall maintains that this stream should 
be filled up so as to make Bronx Borough a component part of 
Manhattan Island. Latterly, when his profession permits, he 
has occupied his leisure time in strong efforts to secure a sys- 
tem of small parks throughout every section of this city in order 



cessful one for liis clients; he is highly esteemed by the judiciary i 

of tlie upper and lower courts, for the masterly manner in which ' 

he presents his case and his briefs, and is also popular with the j 

nicnilicrs of the bar for his eminent talents, his gentlemanly I 




SIDWELL S. RANDALL 

to make Greater New York the most beautiful as well as the 
largest city in America. For forty-four years he has resided on 
Franklin Avenue, near McKmley Square, where he has seen 
that part of the city change from farm lands to one of the most 
thickly settled portions of Greater New York. 

HAROLD CHARLE.S KNOEPPEL.— A young and 
talented lawyer, was born in the Borough of the Bronx Augu.^f 
0, 1875, and is a graduate of the College of the City of New 
York and New York University Law School. He commenc-d 
practice in 1897, and since that time his practice has grown 
rapidly, until the present time, his clientage includes a large 
number of our most prominent business men, both of the Brorrx 
and Manhattan. He is a painstaking advocate and a very suc- 




HAROLD CHARLES KNOEPPEL \ 

c(iurle'~y and ihc well earned success lie has obtained in his ' 
profession. Mr. Knoeppel is a Democrat in politics, but never 

sought for or l-.eld any public office; he is a member of the , 

Masonic Order, the Royal Arcanum, the Schnorcr Club, and ' 

ihe Bronx Bar Association. On September 24, 1899, he m.'ir- i 

ried Miss Elizabeth 11. Brinckmann and lias three children, | 




CORNELIUS J. EARLEY. LL.B. 

Louisa E., Harold J. H. ;ind Edward A. He resides at 8ofi 
Southern Boulevard. Borough of the Bron.x and has law offices 
at s Beekman Street, New York City. 

CORNELIUS J. EARLEY, LL.B., son of John and 
Kaiharinc ( Dougherty) Earley, of Irish descent, was born at 
Flizalielhport, New Jersey, on .'\pril 17, 1S70, and was gradl]- 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



211 



ated from De L-a Salle Institute, New York, June, 1888. He 
studied law at the Law School of New York University, where 
he was a meniher of field chapter of the Greek fraternity Phi 
Delta Phi and was graduated in May. iSgi, with the degree of 
Bachelor of Laws and was first honor of his class, there heing 
fifty-seven graduates. At the age of eighteen, he entered the 
office of Hon. William J. Lardner, Deputy Attorney General 
of the State of New York, and was admitted to the bar when 
twenty-one years of age on April 7, 1893. From October, 1893, 
until May t. t8-)5. he was .Assistant Corporation Counsel of the 




JOHN p. DUNN 

City of New York, under Hon. William H. Clark. Since the 
latter date he has been engaged in the private practice of his 
profession. He is one of the counsel to the Roman Catholic 
Chancery office and of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New 
York. In politics he is a Democrat and was chairman of the 
Democratic General Committee of the Thirty-fourth Assembly 
District, Borough of the Bronx, during the years 1897 and 1898. 
lie is a member of the Catholic Club. Knights of Columbus, 
the Brownson Club, Tallapoosa Club, Hron.x Democratic Club 
and Bronx Bar Association. Mr. Karley has been very success- 
ful as a jury trial lawyer in the hij;her cciurts, having won a 
number of important cases in the Court of Appeals involving 
large verdicts. He has been especially successful in libel and 
damage litigation. He was married on June 21, 1898, to Miss 
Rose Marie McDevitt. and they have five children, Gladys, 
Jack, Eunice, Cornelius, Jr., and Bernard J. Earley. His city 
home is at No. 680 East 136th Street,. Bronx Borough, New 
York City; his summer home is at Blue Point, Great South Bay, 
Long- Island, and hi< office at J71 P.roadway. New York Cily. 



WILLIAM G. MULLIGAN, prominent lawyer of Bronx 
Borough, was born at E.Kctcr. Otsego County, N. Y.. March 5, 
1862. After a careful jireparation for college he entered Hamil- 
ton College. Clinton. N. Y., graduating therefrom with high 
honors in the class of '86, being awarded the McKinney prize 
in declamation and debate. In 1892 Mr. Mulligan was gradu- 
ated from the New York University Law School, being selected 
as the valedictorian of his class. For the past twelve years he 
has been a successful practitioner of the legal profession, in 
Bronx Borough. Mr. Mulligan is a consistent Democrat, al- 
though he has never sought or held office, preferring to devote 
his attention and time to his chosen profession. He is a promi- 
nent member of the Democratic v^lub ; Theta Delta Phi Club 
and of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church. On June 27, 1892, 
Mr. Mulligan married Agnes K. Murphy, daughter of Captain 
William Jay Murphy, U. S. Army. Mrs. Mulligan is regarded 
as one of the most brilliant as well as one of the most success- 
ful real estate operators in the Bronx. She ahso possesses a 
bright legal mind and has been unusually successful as a law- 




WILLIAM G. MULLIGAN 

yer. Five children have been born to their happy wedlock, viz: 
.Agnes, Virginia, .Alethea, Eileen, (deceased) and AUeine. 
Mr. Mulligan is one of the solid, substantial citizens of Bronx 
Borough and is universally respected and esteemed for his 
many sterling qualities. His office is at 727 Tremont .A. venue. 

JOHN P. DUNN, Assistant Corporation Counsel of the 
City of New York, was born July 2, i860, in New York City. 
He graduated from Public School No. 64 in 1875 and then en- 
tered St. John's College, from which he was graduated in 1880. 
After taking a post graduate course he received the degree of 
A.M.. from his college and then entered the law offices of Morgan 



212 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



J. O'Brien, now presiding justice of tlie Appellate Division, First 
Department, New York Supreme Court. He received his degree 
of LL.B. from Columbia College Law School in 1885, and after- 
wards was admitted to the Bar. He was appointed Assistant Sec- 
retary of the Fire Department of the City of New York in 1887 



and Assistant Corporation Counsel in 1889. He organized the 
Bureau of Street Openings in 1893 a"d has been the head of that 
bureau ever since. He is president of the Fordham Club and a 
member of the Manhattan, Catholic, Graduates and Schnorer 
Clubs. 




The Original Building of the First Presbyterian Church of Trcmont 




Bronx BOROUGH in 



View of Trcmont in 1854 



CHAPTER XLI 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 



The Personal History of Many of Those Who Have Been and are Prominent in the Life of the Bronx and 

Have Aided in its Development 



JOSIAH ACKERMAN BRIGGS, Civil Engineer and Sur- 
veyor, is Chief Engineer of the Borough of the Bronx, under 
the President of the Borough. This ofifice he has held since 
1902. Other important posilions which have beer^ his are 
the following : Surveyor and Assistant Engineer Department 
of Public Parks, 1879 to 1891 ; Chief Engineer, Construction 
Department, Street Improvements of Twenty-third and Twenty- 
fourth Wards, 1895 to 1898 ; Chief Engineer of Highways, Bor- 
ough of the Bronx, 1898 to 1902. Mr. Briggs was born in West 





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1... 1 



JOSIAH ACKERMAN ERIGCS 

Farms. He was educated in public and private schools of the 
borough and has lived here all his life. He is a member of the 
Reformed Church, Manor of Fordham, of the American Society 
of Civil Engineers, of the North Side Board of Trade, the 
Fordham Club, Jefferson Club, Schnorer Club and Royal Ar- 
canum. He married, March 15, 1876, Miss Julia Wheatly. 
They have had six children, of whom four, one boy and three 
girls, are living. 



SAMUEL CLARENCE THOMPSON, civil engineer by 
profession, at present Engineer of Highways in the Bronx, 
was born at Roxbury, Mass., April 4, 1851. He attended various 
schools in the old Bay Stite, among them the District School 
and Peters High School at Southboro ; and the Massachusetts 
Agricultural College at Amherst, and also got there his profes- 
sional experience and training. In 1883 he came here, and has 
since held a number of important places on the engineer staff 
of the metropolis. Mr. Thompson is a member of the American 
Society of Civil Engineers, of the Municipal Engineers, City of 
New York, of the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity, the Knights of 
Honor, Royal Arcanum, Loyal Legion, and F. and A. M. He 
married. May s, 1875, Alice Louisa Fairchild. They have two 
children, Louis Clarence an I Elsie Viola. 

JOSIAH H. FITCH, the Assistant Principal Engineer of 
the Bron.x, was born June i6th, 1863, in New York City, in the 
old Ninth Ward. After his primary education at public school 
No. 35, he took a three years' classical course at the College of 
the City of New York, leaving to enter the school of Mines of 
Columbia College, from which he graduated in 188.4. After 
leaving Columbia College, he was appointed as an axeman on 
the new Croton .Aqueduct, and remained for six years at this 
important work, having been advanced to assistant engineer be- 
fore he resigned in 1890 to accept an important position offered 
to him as engineer by the Standard Oil Company. He was as- 
signed to look after the pump stations, pipe lines, storage tanks, 
and surveying throughout the entire oil belt, which comprised 
West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio and Pennsylvania, where he 
remained until 1892, resigned, and accepted a position with the 
Rapid Transit Commission as Engineer, and after serving two 
years, was appointed by the Commissioner of Street Improve- 
ments as Computer, from which position he was promoted 
eventually to Assistant Engineer. In August, 1900, Mr. Fitch 
was appointed engineer in charge of sewers of the Bronx, but 
in 1902 he resumed the old title of Principal Assistant Engineer, 
which the gentleman holds to-day. In 1901, the temporary 
system of sewerage at Van Nest was practically in his charge, 
and to his practical ability in his profession, that model 
sewerage system of the prosperous community is recorded. Mr. 
Fitch is a Democrat in politics, a member of the Columbia Col- 
lege Alumni, Royal Arcanum, Jefferson Club, Schnorer Club, 
and attends the Presbyterian Church. On December 31, 1890, 
he married Annie F. Walker of this city; the gentleman is held 
in high esteem by his superior officers in the Municipal Depart- 
ment, and is considered to be one of the able engineers of the 
Borough. 





SAMUEL CLARENCE THOMPSON 



JOSIAH H. FITCH 





MICHAEL HECHT 



"IHOMAS J BYRNE 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



2(5 



MICHAEL IIF.CHT, Assistant Superintendent of tlie Build- 
ing Uepartmenl, Horougli of llie Bronx, was l>orn in Melrose, 
November 22, 1868, and is a graduate of the Immaculate Coii- 
ception school, isist Street and Melrose Avenue. He learned 
the plumbing trade and advanced rapidly, until in 1889 he en- 
tered business for himself, and became a master plumber and 
contractor, doing an extensive business and was virtually one of 
the leading experts in his business. He has accomplished a 
great deal of the finest sanitary plumbing ever performed in 
the Bronx, and a large number of the best residences and build- 
ings bear testimony to his excellent work. On January i, igo2, 
he was appointed Assistant Superintendent of Buildings, which 
position he has filled with credit to the department, exhibiting 
rare judgment and executmg his multifarious duties with prompt- 
ness, and in every instance according to the rules and laws 
governing the Building Department. He is very popular with all 
the inspectors and employees of his department, and the builders 
of the Bronx, all of whom esteem him highly for his gentlemanly 
deportment, his strict attention to his duties, and his constant 
desire to conduct his business in a manner that reflects credit 
on his department. In February, 1893, Mr. Hecht married Miss 
Matilda Grube, an estimable and accomplished lady, and has two 
children, viz. : Michael J., and Jean B. D. Hecht. He has been a 
Tammany Hall Democrat since his majority, and is a member 
of the Royal Arcanum, K. of C, B. P. O. Elks, the Schnorer 
and Tallapoosa Clubs, besides a large number of social clubs 
and organizations. 

THOMAS J. BYRNE is well known throughout the Bronx 
as Superintendent of the Bureau of Public Buildings and otfices 
for the borough, and as formerly, for four years. Deputy Com- 
missioner of Sewers, in which capacities he has amply demon- 
strated his efficiency as a public official. Mr. Byrne is 49 years 
old and is a native of this borough. He was born at 137th 
Street and Mott Avenue, and was brought up and educated 
in the borough. He is a public school man, in fact, a product 
of the free educational institutions of New York. He is a 
Democrat and a member of numerous organizations, political 
and fraternal; the C. B. L., Knights of Columbus, Eagles, 
Schnorers, "Merry Five," Democratic Club, Allegheny and 
Chippewa Clubs among them. He married in 1880, and is the 
father of a family of nine. 

I'REDERICK GREIFFENBERG, the well known topo- 
graphical engineer of the municipal department of the Bronx, 
uas born at Eppinger, the Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany, 
December 9, 18,17. He was educated at the Polytechnic 
University at Carlsruhe, Germany. Since May 6, 1871, he has 
served continuously in connection with the surveys and. improve- 
ments of the Borough of the Bronx and served as principal as- 
sistant topographical engineer from 1898 to 1902 under the Board 
of Public Improvements in direct connection with topographical 
work for Greater New Y'ork. A member of the Society of the 
former students of the German Universities and a member of 
that society of the Municipal Engineers of the City of New 
York, he is one of whom the entire civil engineer staff of the 
Borough of the Bronx entertains the highest respect for his 
ability in his profession and his general courtesy to them, his 
fellow members of the honorable and distinguished profession. 
The gentleman is a bachelor, wedded only to the good work 
that he is performing for the Borough of the Bronx. 

CHARLES HALLETT GRAHAM, the engineer in charge 
of sewers for the Borough of the Bronx, was born in Harlem, 



.\\ir\\ 10, 1863. Afler graduating from Grammar School No. 
68, he took a two years' course at the College of the City of 
New Y'ork, and in 1879 he entered the service of the Park De- 
partment as a volunteer assistant, and in a short time was 
regularly appointed as an assistant in the Engineer Corps of said 
Department and engaged in topographical and construction work 
until 1891, when, as an assistant engineer, he was assigned to 
duty under Mr. Louis F. Haffen in the new parks of the Bronx. 
In 1892 he was transferred to work under Mr. A. Kellogg, the 
Engineer of Construction, and placed in charge of the Riverside 
Drive improvements. In 1893 he was placed in charge of the 
preparation of plans, contracts and specifications for the con- 
struction of the Harlem River Speedway, and in 1894 was given 
independent and exclusive charge of this important work. In 
1895 he was appointed by Mr. Haffen to the position of assistant 
engineer in the Department of Street Improvements of the 
Twenty-third and Twenty-fourth Wards, and was assigned as 
acting superintendent of maintenance, and in addition to the 
duties of superintendent he performed valuable services in the 
investigation of contracts for the construction of sewers at VVil- 
liamsbridge entered into by the village commissioners, and dis 
entangled the difficulties by preparing new plans, contracts and 
specifications to meet the suggestions embodied in the opinions 
of the Corporation Counsel, and remained in charge of the new 
contract work during the year 1896. Early in 1897 he was ap- 
pointed General Superintendent of Maintenance and was con- 
tinued as such in the Department of Highways under the new 
charter from 1898 to 1902. In 1902, President Haffen advanced 
him to the position of engineer in charge of sewers for the 
Borough. In 1886, Mr. Graham was married and has one 
daughter. He is a member of the American Society of Civil 
Engineers, Fordham Council, Roiyal Arcanum, the Jefferson 
Club, and a member of the General Committee of the Thirty-fifth 
Assembly District. 

PHILIPP AUGUSTUS RYAN, Assistant Superintendent 
of the Park Department, Borough of the Bronx, was born at 
Williamsbridge, New York, November 13, 1866, and attended 
the pubhc schools of Williamsbridge until graduation. Push and 
energy with unimpeachable integrity was the sole capital of Mr. 
Ryan, when he started out to meet the world and reach the ladder 
ol success. His first employment was picking pickles at $3 per 
week. Being of a placid nature, after a long struggle at the 
pickle business, he sought employment with the authorities of 
Woodlawn Cemetery and served there for five years as a florist. 
Leaving the Woodlawn Cemetery, he was employed as a coach- 
man by Mrs. W. W. Niles, an estimable and wealthy lady, with 
whom he remained for four years. Being frugal in his habits, 
he had saved sufficient means to enable him to go into the hotel 
business at Williamsbridge, in which he his been very success- 
ful, and is highly esteemed by the citizens of his native place. 
In June last he was appointed Assistant Superintendent of Parks 
for the Borough of the Bronx, and is one of the most active and 
industrious officers of this department. Mr. Ryan has the con- 
fidence of his superior officers in the department, and also of 
the large number of employees of whom he has charge. His 
activity and close application to his duties and his fitness for 
the position he occupies gives promise to advance him higher 
up in the near future. He is the ion of Patrick Francis and 
Catherine Ryan, who were both born at Holy Cross, Tipperary, 
Ireland. In politics Mr. Ryan is a thorough Democrat; belongs 
to the Roman Catholic Cliurch and is a member of the well 
known Chippewa Club. 





NATHANIEL LORD BRITTON 



CHARLES HALLETT GRAHAM 





PHILIPP AUGUSTUS RYAN 



FREDERICK GREIFFENBERG 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



2J7 



NATHANIEL LORD BRITTON was born at New Dorp, 
Staten Island, January 15th, 1859, the eldest son of Alexander 
Hamilton Britton and Harriet Lord Britten, and a member of 
one of the oldest families of Staten Island. He was educated 
in public and private schools, at the Staten Island Academy and 
at the School of Mines of Columbia College, where he was a 
classmate of the Hon. Louis F. Haffen, graduating in 1879 
with the degree of Engineer of Mines; his friends attribute his 
administrative ability to the engineering training there received, 
l.e accepted the same year the position of assistant in the De- 
partment of Geology aitd Natural History in Columbia, under 
llie distinguished Professor John S. Newberry, and served in 
mis capacity until 1887, when he was made Instructor iiii 
liotany, being promoted to Adjunct Professor in 1890, and Pro- 
fessor of Botany in 1891 ; he discharged the duties of this chair 
luuil 1896, when he was called to his present work as Director- 
lu-Chief of the New York Botanical Garden in Bronx Park, 
which has been wholly developed unuer his charge, aided by the 
wisdom and liberality ot its distinguished board of managers 
and by the cordial cooperation of the Park Department, so that 
11 has already become the largest and most noteworthy institu- 
uon of its kind in America and one of the most important m the 
world. Proiessor Britton was awarded the degree of Doctor 
of Philosopliy by his alma mater in 1881, and during his con- 
nection witn Columbia served as an aid on the United States 
Geological Survey and as an assistant on the geological survey 
of the State of New Jersey; he wrote a voluminous report on 
llie plants of New Jersey in i88x and another in 1891, both of 
which were published by the survey, and he is the author of 
over one hundred scientihc papers, published in various journals 
and in the proceedings of learned societies ; his magnum opus, 
the "Illustrated Flora of the Northern States and Canada," pre- 
pared jointly with Judge Addison Brown, was published in three 
royal octavo volumes containing over four thousand illustra- 
tions of plants, from 1896 to 1898, and is the standard reference 
work on its subject; his "Manual of the Flora of the Northern 
States and Canada," for the use of schools, containing over 
1.000 closely printed pages, published in 1901, is now passing to 
a second edition. During Dr. Seth Low's presidency of Co- 
lumbia, Dr. Britton served on many important committees and 
was secretary of the Faculty of Pure Science from its founda- 
tion in 1892 until he resigned the chair of Botany to lake up 
his work in the Bronx; at this time the Trustees of Columbia 
University elected him to the honorary title of Emeritus Pro- 
fessor, and at the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the 
foundation of King's College, at Columbia, October 31, 1904, lie 
was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Science, the 
highest distinction that a university can bestow upon one of its 
alumni devoted to any branch of science. He is a member of 
many scientific societies, of the Century Association and a 
trustee of the Bronx Free Library. Dr. Britton has travelled 
widely in Europe and America, visiting all the more important 
botanical gardens, parks and museums, and studying the plants 
both wild and cultivated. Since the great public greenhouses 
were built in Bronx Park he has made several trips to the West 
Indies, and secured many specimens to aid in building up the 
large collections for public education. He was married in 1886 
lo Elizabeth Gertrude Knight, who has since been his companion 
and aid in all his scientific work, and who is well known as an 
accomplished botanist. 



CLARENCE TISDALE STEELE has been for the past 
sixteen years associated with the musical interests of the Bronx. 
He was born in Brooklyn and received his early education at 
the Adelphi Academy and graduated from the High School in 
Jersey City. His musical studies were pursued in this city and 
in Boston. Mr. Steele is best known as a teacher of sight sing- 
ing in connection with his public school work in the Bronx, 
where for sixteen years he has directed the music in the schools 
of the Twenty-third and Twenty-fourth Wards and, having been 
a student of pedagogy as well as music, has attained a high meas- 
ure of success in his work. One feature of his school work 
which has won the good will and confidence of the teachers in this 
district, has been his constant adherence to the practice of giving 
model lessons in the class-rooms, even while claiming the title 
of supervisor. Mr. Steele is a Huent writer and composer, and 
has written the words and music of many of our school songs 
and a valuable collection ol rote songs for primary grades as well 
as much music of other descriptions, several of his part-songs 
being widely sung throughout the country. As a teacher of the 
art of sight singing Mr. Steele stands nr the foremost ranks; 
many of the singers in New York and Brooklyn church choirs 
owe their training in that line to his efforts. As a choral di- 
rector Mr. Steele s work is authoritative and convincing, and as 
a lecturer his knowledge of human nature and natural adapta- 
bility enables him to present to a general audience musical sub- 
jects in such a manner as to hold the interest of his hearers 
throughout. His lectures on tlie "Art of Sight Singing," "The 

History of the Oratorio, i'he Development of the Part-Song," 

and "The Old Songs and the New," the last two of which have 
been delivered on numerous occasions in this city, are very in- 
teresting. They are always illustrated by excellent talent, in- 
cluding a well chosen quartette of soloists, and Mr. Steele, who is 
the possessor of a fine tenor voice, also adds to the effective- 
ness by his singing. 

JAMES R. L. DALY, M.D., is a life long resident of the 
Bronx and is one of its most successful practitioners. Pie was 
born here in New York thirty years ago — to be exact, on May 
24, 1875. Dr. Daly is a graduate of Manhattan College and of 
the University and Bellevue Hospital Medical College, and as 
a resident physician on the staff of Seton Hospital for Consump- 
tives, and the Mothers' and Babies' Hospital, has had special 
opportunities and advantages. He is regarded as a man of 
splendid qualifications, one thoroughly equipped in the matter 
of experience and natural ability for the profession he is in. 
His knowledge of practical surgery was obtained during the 
four-year period in wliich he was engaged in the outdoor depart- 
ment of Lebanon Hospital. He makes a specialty of the diseases 
of women and obstetrics, a line in which he has been particularly 
successful, to which he has devoted special study and practice, 
and from which he has derived no small reputation. Dr. Daly, 
we may add, is a member of the Brownson Catholic Club and a 
fourth degiee Knight of Columbus. 

JOHN J. HICKEY, the standard bearer of the John J. 
Hickey Association of the Borough of the Bronx, one of the 
largest Democratic organizations in the Thirty-fifth Assembly 
District, was born in Ireland March 15, i860. He came to the 
United States wlien very young and was educated at the Chris- 
tian Brothers Scliool in New York City. For twenty years he 
has been a resident of the Bronx, engaged in the hotel business, 
and has been extraordinarilv successful, so much so, that he has 





CLARENCE TISDALE STEELE 



JAMES R. L. DALY. M.D. 





JOHN J. HICKEY 



CHARLES DOLL 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



2J9 



accumulated a large amount of valuable real estate and is there- 
fore a heavy taxpayer to the municipality. His success may be 
attributed to the close application he has always given to his 
business aflairs, his unquestionable executive ability, his genial 
and courteous manners and his faculty of knowing how to pro- 
vide properly for the large patronage he has always enjoyed. 
Outside of managing his large and lucrative business, Mr. 
Hickey has for years been an important factor in the politics of 
the Bronx. As president of the organization that bears his natiie, 
with a membership of over 800 substantial citizens, he wields 
a very potent influence in the interests of the Democratic party 
at our municipal, state and national elections ; and while he has 
not y€t ever held any puljlic office, his loyalty to the party and 
the organization will certainly be recognized in the near future 
to one so deserving of all the honors they may bestow upon him. 
He is a member of the Democratic Club (Fifth Avenue), the 
Jefferson Club and Tammany Hall General Committee of the 
Thirty-fifth Assembly District, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, 
the Bunker Hill Club, the Elks, the William R. Hearst Na- 
tional Democratic Club, the Kildare Men's Association, and the 
Wine, Beer and Liquor Dealers' Association of the Thirty-sixth 
District, Bron.x. Mr. Hickey was married .\pril ji, 1882. 

AUGUST KUPKA was born in what is now Manhattan Bor- 
ough, New York City, October .^o, 1873. His father was a cabinet 
maker, a native of Silesia, Germany, and his mother, also 
German, was born in Hanover. August was the oldest of five 
children. He received a public school education which was 
practically completed before he was 14, at which time he began 
work in a piano factory. Thus early thrown upon his own re- 
sources, he supported his widowed mother and younger sisters. 




AUGUST KUPKA 

But having a decided commercial bent, he managed to save 
enough from his meager stipend to pay for his tuition in a 
course of double entry bookkeeping, which he took in the eve- 
nings, and shortly after secured a position with a wall paper 
house at a modest salary. After a short time he left this place 
and filled various positions of trust, finally accepting one in the 
stone cutting trade, which, however, he resigned soon to accept 
a better in the same line. Here, with one of the largest con- 



cerns of the trade, his income grew accordingly. Having 
selected a calling to his liking, he made every effort to become 
as proficient as possible in his chosen field. He took advantage 
of the many opportunities afforded by the Harlem Evening High 
School, the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and 
Art, and the Young Men's Christian Association, becoming effi- 
cient in various branches, such as stenography, for which he 
received a medal ; and his drawings were displayed among the 
honor work in the classes of Cooper Union and the Y. M. C. A. 
In 1899 on the dissolution of the firm he was with, he entered 
into a co-partnership with two of his associates as Oethinger, 
Dannemann & Kupka. This firm established extensive works 
at Port Morris in the Bronx, and has since filled many extensive 
contracts for cut stone work upon churches, power houses, office 
buildings, apartments, clubs, public schools, theatres, hospitals, 
railroad stations, fine residences, etc. Mr. Kupka, we may add, 
is an ardent advocate of the principles of the Republican party, 
and has always affiliated with that body. 

CHARLES DOLL, at present chief bookkeeper of the 
India Wharf Brewing Company, of Brooklyn, N. Y., was born in 
the old Tenth Ward, March 15, 1865, and graduated from 
Public School No. 7. He began at the age of 13 with the 
Schwarzschild & Sulzberger Company at a compensation of 
three dollars a week and remained in their employ for eighteen 
years. His ability and close attention to business was so mark- 
ed that his salary was gradually increased until it reached 
$2,600 per annum. He was then only 22 years of age. His 
services with the Schwarzschild & Sulzberger Company 
pany involved a period of hard and continuous work and it 
was only by slow degrees that he managed to force himself to the 
front and become one of the firm's most trusted employees, 
handling over five million dollars yearly without giving a bond. 
He left the employ of the Schwarzschild & Sulzberger Company 
in 1894 to become the chief bookkeeper in the India Wharf Brew- 
ing Company, which position he holds to-day. Mr. Doll has 
foreseen the growth in the Bron.x; he moved up from Yorkville 
in the above year and through his keen foresight has been very 
successful in investing in Bronx property, which he believes is 
still in its infancy. He and his family are Lutherans, and in 
politics is a staunch Democrat. On May 2, 1886, he married 
Miss Elizabeth Schneider, daughter of Peter Schneider, one of 
the ok! settlers of the Bron.x. 

JOHN DA"VIDSON, architect and the last president of the 
Village of Williamsbridge, previous to its annexation to New 
iork City, was li-irn in Scotland. February 22, 1855, and was 
educated in the common schools of his native country. He came 
ic New \ ork City in 1S81 and for twenty years has been a 
resident. As an architect and general superintendent of build- 
ings, Mr, Davidson has acquired a large and successful business 
to which he devotes his personal attention; besides being a pub- 
lic spirited citizen, he has always manifested deep interest in the 
development and growth of the Borough of the Bron.x. In 
wortliy pulilic improvements he has always been one of the ad- 
vanced guard to aid and assist in its consummation by giving his 
time and mean.s in its advocacy. His efforts in this latter di- 
rection proving so successful on numerous occasions that his 
fellow citizens of the old Village of Williamsbridge recognized 
his abilities and his sterling worth and elected him a trustee, also 
a member of the Board of Health, a member of the Local School 
Board for two terms, and finally elected him president of the 





JOHN DAVIDSON 



JOHN A. STEINME7Z 





ROBERT INGRAHAM BROWN 



SAMUEL BRENER 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



22t 



village. On October g, 1883, he married Miss Anna Campbell 
Cameron and had nine children, seven of whom are living, viz. : 
John B., Enwert G. B., Colina M., Mary C, Bessie E. F., Anna 
D., Willie S. P., Flora and a baby boy, both of the latter being 
deceased. Mr. Davidson is a Democrat in politics and has held 
the different public offices heretofore mentioned through the 
voice of his party. He is one of the founders of the Presby- 
terian Church at Williamsbridge, belongs to Hebron Lodge, F. 
and A. M., a member of the Royal Arcanum, and President of 
the Improvement League of the Forty-fourth District. 

J. CLARENCE DAVIES, real estate agent, of 149th Street 
and Third Avenue, and 156 Broadway, has done as much as any 
man toward the upbuilding and development of the Bronx, in 
which district hi,"^ transactions have been unusually extensive 
and we may add, highly profitable for his clients. He has been 
one of the most active men in his line, and, as such has achieved 




J. CLARENCE DAVIES 

a high business rtputation. He is 38 years old and lias followed 
this occupation since he was 20. He was born in New York 
City in 1867, and is a son of David Davics, a New York mer- 
chant, is of the fifth generation of his family bnrn in New York, 
and is a nephew of the lale L. J. Phillips, a prominent real 
estate man. He attended Public School No. 69 and later the 
College of the City of New York, leaving the latter to take a 
place in manufacturing busmess. Then he travelled a few years 
and in 1889 embarked in real estate with results as hereinbefore 
mentioned. Mr. Davies, we have said, is a man of uncommon 
energy. He belongs to more than a dozen organizations and still 
finds time from his regular business to participate actively in their 
management. How he finds time for it all is a question. He is 
President of the Association of Bronx Real Estate Brokers, and 
(tiso one of the Governors and Treasurer of the Real Estate 



Board of Brokers. He was one of the incorporators of the 
North Side Board of Trade and serves on two of its committees. 
He belongs to the City Club, the Reform Club, the Century and 
Harmonic Clubs, the Atlantic Yacht Club, Clubs of Fordham 
and Bedford Park, the Bronx Club and Schnorer Club, the 
^Vestchester Golf Club and Amateur Billiard Club and the Nort'- 
Jersey Country Club. He is a member also of the Metropolitan 
?vluseum of Art, the Horticultural Society, the Zoological Society, 
Free Craftsman Lodge, F. and A. M., and the Knights of 
Pythias and many other clubs and associations. He married 
October 22, 1902, Rosalie Loewi. Besides his Bronx office af 
Third Avenue and 149th Street, he has a branch in the borough 
at Jerome and Burnside Avenues, as well as Westchester and 
Prospect Avenues. 

JOHN A. STEINMETZ.— This popular young real estate 
operator was born at West Farms, and educated in the public 
schools. His father, Adam Steinmetz, was one of the early 
settlers of West Farms, and for many years was known as the 
most prominent baker of that section. The subject of this 
sketch learned the trade of baker and was employed by his 
father and became one of the experts in that line. Later Mr. 
Steinmetz entered the wholesale grocery business and was suc- 
cessful for six years, in fact his success was far more than he 
expected he would meet with. Being ambitious and wanting to 
make a record for himself he entered the real estate field at 
West Farms and in three months sold fourteen flats, besides 
building a large number of smaller houses and lots, is certainly 
gratifying to say the least. He handles all kinds of property 
and makes a specialty of two-family houses. In addition to real 
estate he negotiates loans and manages estates, and also makes a 
feature of insurance. In 1894 Mr. Steinmetz married Miss Eliza- 
beth Borger, of Fordham, N. Y. They reside at West Farms, 
where the Steinmetz family have made their home for over fifty 
years. Socially Mr. Steinmetz is very popular and belongs to Wie- 
land Lodge, F. and .\. M., and Odd Fellows, Morrisania Lodge 
171, as well as several business and social organizations. 

ROBERT INGRAHAM BROWN, retired, now a resident 
of Mount Vernon, was in his day one of the most active, ener- 
getic and progressive residents of what is now Bronx Borough. 
He was in the real estate business and was predecessor of the 
well known real estate firm of R. I. Brown's Sons. Mr. Brown 
was born in Philadelphia in 1824 and there went to school. He 
came to New York at 14. His first employment was in the 
marble business, which he mastered under his uncle and re- 
mained in until the early 6o's. During the Civil War he was 
attached to the Provost Marshal's office in New York City. 
Just after the war in 1867 he located in the old town of Morris- 
ania. Here, in old Fifth, now 167th Street, between Washington 
.'.nd Railroad Avenues, he opened a real estate office. This bu-i- 
ness he conducted with success until 1893, when, at 70 years of 
age, he retired. He is now 81. He was married in 1848 to Miss 
Mary A. C. Raymond, a granddaughter of Jos. Skillman, and is 
the father of seven children, three daughters and four sons, of 
whom three, one daughter and two sons, survive. Mr. Brown 
was a member of the Board of Centenary M. E. Church, i66th 
Street and Washington Avenue, a great many years. His sons, 
Walter E. and Wm. I., who succeeded him in business, have 
a large and important patronage. They represent the Mutual 
Life Company's interest in the Twenty-third and Twenty-fourth 
Wards, the Wm. H. Morris estate, and other large owners and 
investors, a large number of estates, owners and investors. 





RICHARD MUNCH 



EMIL VON HERMANNI 





GEORGE PALEN 



CHARLES ALBERT WEBER 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



223 



SAMUEL BRENER, a Russian by birth, born in thnt 
countr)' in 1882, but brougbl up from boyhood in New York, is 
one ol the prominent real estate men and builders of tlic Bronx. 
!lis place of business is in the Smith building, at Third Avenue 
and 148th Street. He has lived here ttt'enty-two years, since 
lie was a year old. He went to school here, in fact, Mr. Brcner 
is something of a politician. He is a Republican, a member of 
ihe Republican Club and of the Republican District Committee. 
He is also a Mason. 

RICHARD MUNCH, real estate broker by profession. He 
was born in Bremen, 1871, was educated in Germany and came 
to America in 1891. He was associated with the late August 
Hermanni in the real estate business, under the firm name of 
Hermanni & Munch, and is now carrying on the same business 
with the former's son. Eniil Hermanni, under the same firm 
name, at 362 Willis Avenue. He is treasurer of the corporation, 
German Real Estate Company and as such and as member of the 
real estate firm of Hermanni & Munch, transacts an extensive 
real estate business. 

EMIL VON HERMANNI is a lawyer by profession. He 
was born in New York City, Borough of Manhattan, July 17, 
i88,l, graduated from New York City Public School No. ig, 
studied at the College of the City of New York i8g8 to 1901, and 
at the Law School of New Y'ork University 1901 to 1904. He 
graduated therefrom June, 1903, with degree of LL.B. He was 
admitted to the bar in November, 1904, and has carried on an 
active independent law practice since. He is president of the 
corporation of 'German Real Estate Co." and in this capacity, 
and as a member of the real estate firm of Hermanni & Munch, 
of 362 Willis Avenue, controls substantial and steadily growing 
real estate interests. 

GEORGE PALEN, an enterprising real estate operator in 
the Bronx, was one of the founders of the Port Morris Market, 
at 134th Street and East River, and is president of the companv 
operating it. This market is located at the ferry to College 
Point and North Beach, and between the trolley and New Haven 
Railroad tracks. It is intended to be a wholesale produce market 
for the service of Bronx Borough and adjacent parts of Long Is- 
land, Harlem and Washington Heights. It has stores for produce 
merchants, stands for 150 wagons, and the usual concomitants 
of hotel, restaurant, etc. It was opened for business July 12 last, 
and has been a success from the start. Mr. Palen has other 
large interests here besides this. He is a New Y'orker, born 
here in 1847, and a graduate of the University of New York. 
He is a Democr;it, but he mingles little in politics. He leads also 
in a social way a very quiet life. 

CHARLES .-\LBER1" WEBER, real estate and' insurance 
broker, auctioneer and appr-iiser, of 633 East 149th Street, Bronx, 
has a most substantial standing in that line, and enjoys a lu- 
crative business. He was born in New York in June, 1875, ^"d 
has lived in the borough some twenty years now, from early 
youth in point of fact. He is a public school product, and 
an example of a man who has made his way by his own ef- 
forts. He is a commissioner of deeds and notary public, a mem- 
ber of the Association of Bronx Real Estate Brokers and the 
Bron.x Auctioneers' .Association, and belongs to the Clifton 
Bowling Club, and Suburban Council of the Royal Arcanum. 
He is a Republican in national affairs, but an independent in 
city and state politics, and "heart and soul for the Bronx." He 
is. we may add, one of the bachelor contingent of business men 
of the Bronx still. 



MAX H. NEWM.A.N, real estate man and auctioneer, with 
a fine and profitable patronage, is a native brought up in New 
York and educated in the public schools of the city. He entered 
this line of business immediately on leaving school, and has been 
in it ever since. He was connected with L. Reiter at Westchester 
and Jackson .Avenues, some eight years and has been in it alto- 
gether over ten years. He is 27 years old, still a bachelor and 
devoted to business. He eschews politics and belongs to but one 
organization of importance, that is Shakespeare Lodge of Masons. 
No. 750. His place of business is at Westchester and Jackson 
Avenues, in which vicinity he operates extensively, 

LAWRENCE KRONENBERGER.— One of the most active 
dealers in real estate, Borough of the Bronx, was born at Zetzen- 
heim, Rhine Hessen, Germany, on June lo, 1872, and graduated 
from the public schools of the latter place. For some time after 
his graduation he assisted his father in the vineyard, cultivat- 
ing and raising grapes, quite an industry in Zetzenheim. He 
came to the United States in 1888, rolled up his sleeves and com- 
menced the battle of life. In 1890 his first venture was the 
butcher business, which he conducted with his brother up to 1893, 
then removed to the Bronx and started in business as a wine 
merchant in partnership with his brother. During that time 
he suffered many hardships; he continued, however, until 1899, 
when he and his brother dissolved partnership. The three years 
that followed brought great financial and property losses, at 
times he was without money. In 1902 he finally succeeded and 
immediately engaged in the real estate business again on his 
ow-n account in the Bron.x. He was bound he would succeed, 
after having lost all his savings. In all of his undertakings he 
was eminently successful; as a real estate agent he has the con- 
fidence of an extensive clientage, among which are numbered 
many of the largest builders, owners of estates and wealthy 
investors in improved and unimproved properties. His business 
methods are very systematic, void of cumbersome details, but up- 
to-date in every particular. He executes his orders for his 
clients with promptness in all of its details; keeps his appoint- 
ments and seldom fails to accomplish the desired results for 
them. He is a gentleman of the strictest integrity and upon this 
latter he has made himself a brilliant reputation in the Bronx, 
besides building up a large and remunerative business. In estab- 
lishing the "Bronx Realty Exchange," with main office located 
in McKinley Square and a branch at 1021 Boston road, he gave 
a vigorous impetus to his business; accomplishing large results 
for his customers. He carries a vast amount of both improved 
and unimproved properties for investors, who always obtain 
through him profitable results. He is a member of the Catholic 
Church, and independent in politics. Mr. Kronenberger married 
Miss Christina Amann, of the Bronx, and has one very promis- 
ing son, Lawrence Frederick. 

LEOPOLD HUTTER is a well known figure at auction 
sales of realty. He has made a big fortune by speculating in 
realty, particularly in the Bronx, and not speculation altogether, 
for his judgment, based upon information acquired, is seldom 
at fault. He was a butcher formerly and first embarked in this 
line in Y'orkville, which was daring enough according to the 
opinion of that day, but the next year, when in '83, he began 
operating in the then far away wilderness of the Bronx, his 
friends voted him mad. It took no long time, however, to 
controvert them. In four years he had aniasse<I a fortune in 
this dubious Bronx dirt. .And so he has gone on Inlying upon 
his own judgment, with confidence in the forward march of 





MAX H. NEVMAN 



LAWRENCE KRONENBERGER 





LEOPOLD HUTTER 



GEORGE PROVOST FOGAL 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



225 



New York and thus made himself, so it is said, a millionaire. 
Mr. Hutter is a Bohemian by birth, 63 years old. He came to 
this country in 1866, when he was 24, and began life in the new 
land as a butcher's boy at $1 a week. Here he remained for 
thirteen months and then, with more nerve than capital (a 
quality which by the way, he has shown he possesses in large 
measure) he started a place for himself. So successful was 
he that, in a few years, about the time he began to interest 
himself in real estate, he had seven stores. But by no means 
a rude and unlettered character though so fortunate, is he. He 
is a graduate of the high school of his native city. He is a 
Mason and an Odd Fellow and lives in style on West Fiftieth 
•Street in the fashionable heart of Manhattan. He is a bowler, 
a sharpshooter and a liberal contributor to charities. He was 
one of the founders of Lebanon Hospital in the Bronx, and has 
been its treasurer from the beginning to date. He has been 
married twice and has children by both wives, two by each, three 
daughters and a son. Finally, he is a Democrat of lifelong 
conviction, but has never held office, or for that matter, wanted 
it. 

GEORGE PROVOST FOG.A.L, one of the oldest, that is 
to say longest, established real estate men of the Bronx, has 
distinction also as one of the oldest residents of this part of 
the city. He was born in New York in 1828 and has been living 
in the Bronx since 1862, a matter of forty-three years. He began 
that year as a merchant of this section, and remained in that 
line for eight years. He had at the time, three different stores 
in these parts. In 1872, thirty-three years ago, he abandoned 
merchandising and went into real estate, a line in which he has 
remained ever since. Needless to say, he has seen many changes 
in that period, vastly for the better in the main, toward which 
betterment he has contributed in his time his full share. Mr. 
Fogal was educated in the public schools of New York and in 
the old Broadway College. He is a Republican in politics, and 
a member of the Methodist Church. He married Adeline Cur- 

i lis in 1863, and is the father of eight children, seven of whom 

I are living — five daughters and two sons. 

I HERBERT WILLIAM CLARK, real estate operator, was 

born in New York City January 6, 1876. He received his pre- 

) liminary education in the public schools, after which he entered 

! the College of the City of New York, and later Centenary Col- 
legiate Institute. After leaving college in 1894, Mr. Clark en- 
gaged in the manufacture of paper boxes with his father and 
brother. The partnership was continued until 1897, at which 
time the firm incorporated under the name of T. B. Clark Com- 
pany, of which Herbert William Clark became secretary. In 
1900 the establishment was destroyed by fire, and the cor- 
poration went out of business. Mr. Clark, the subject of this 
sketch, then engaged in the thread business which he continued 

I until 1902, at which time he began as a real estate operator at i6ist 
Street and Third Avenue. His increasing business soon com- 
pelled him to seek larger quarters; he then removed to his pres- 
ent location, No. 3164 Third Avenue. Mr. Clark has negotiated 
a number of extensive real estate transactions in the Bronx and is 
regarded as one of the foremost operators in this section of New 
Vork. Being possessed of a pleasing personality as well as 
high integrity, and a correct method of doing business has won 
him many friends. Mr. Clark is a grandson of the late George 
W. Ditchett, one of the founders of the old town of Morrisania, 
and a large real estate operator in this section in his day. 

CHARLES F. MEHLTRETTER, real estate and insurance 
agent, with brokerage a specialty, of 1962 Clinton Avenue, near 



Tremont, is a grandson of Charles Mehltretter, who was in busi- 
ness many years ago as a custom shoe manufacturer at Broad- 
way and Astor Place. His maternal grandfather, Adelbert 
Weiner, was a builder who constructed the first house built for 
lease by the great Astor estate. He himself is a New Yorker 
born and bred ; in fact, he has lived here always, except a few 
years spent abroad at school. He was born at Broadway and 
Astor place in 1875. He attended at first the public school 
on Twelfth Street, between Fifth and Si.xth Avenues, and then 
St. John's College at Fordham and graduated at the gymnasium 
at Winzburg, Bavaria. He is a Democrat, a member of the 
Bronx Board of Real Estate Brokers and Auctioneers, of the 
East Tremont Taxpayers' Association, of the Knights of Co- 
lumbus and Golden Star Lodge, I. O. O. U, North Side Lodge, 
.V. O. U. W. Mr. Mehltretter is one of the successful operators 
in Bronx real estate. Christmas day, 1892, he was married to 
Miss Caroline T. Krueger, daughter of C. I. Krueger. Mr. 
Mehltretter has been identified with the real estate market for 
the last ten years. 

CLEMENT HADDEN SMITH, real estate operator, and 
a prominent man of the Bronx, was born September 25, 1872, 
at Cuddebackville, Orange County. New York, where he re- 
ceived his education in the district schools. About nine years 
ago Mr. Smith located in the Borough of the Bronx, and 
erected what might be termed the first modern office building, 
(the Smith Building), which is even now the finest structure 
of that character in the borough, and will stand for many years 
to come as a monument to him. Mr. Smith is reckoned as one 
of the best posted, as well as one of the highest authorities in 
tlie local real estate field. His thorough knowledge of values 
lias brought him clients from all sections of the country. His 
high standing in this community is a guarantee that requires 
no further recommendation. In politics Mr. Smith is a staunch 
Republican, although not an office seeker, his time being fully 
occupied with his ever increasing business affairs. On June 
6, 1894, he was united in marriage with Miss Alice B. Mat- 
thews. Two children, J. Hadden, Jr., and Dorotha Moore 
Smith, have been born to the union. Mr. Smith is located in 
business at No. 726 Tremont Avenue. Socially, as well as in 
business circles Mr. Smith has many friends. It has been his 
motto in business matters to always treat the competitor in the 
fairest manner possible. He is not a club man, preferring to 
spend his leisure moments in the family circle. 

LOUIS F. KUNTZ, a prominent Real Estate Broker of 
llie Borough of the Bronx, was born in the borough. He is the 
son of the late Major Louis F. Kuntz, former owner of the 
J. & L. F .Kuntz Brewing Co., at i68th Street and Third Avenue, 
now known as the North Side Brewing Co. Mr. Kuntz was 
educated at Grammar School No. 61. He selected real estate 
operations as his profession, and has applied himself diligently 
to the business, and is at present one of the active real estate 
brokers in the Bronx. His clientele represents a large number 
of our leading citizens, among which are numerous investors, 
owners and managers of extensive properties. His office is 
thoroughly equipped with all facilities necessarily required of a 
first class real estate office, and his sales and purchases invari- 
ably proved remunerative to the buyer or seller. Mr. Kuntz com- 
ing from such a highly respected and well known family of the 
Bronx, who for years were among the foremost brewers in the 
community, occupies an enviable position among the citizens of 
the Bronx. He is active and industrious and a worker in his 
profession. In October, 1900, he married Miss Laura C. Sielken, 





HERBERT W. CLARK 



CHARLES F. MEHLTRETTER 





CLEMENT HADDEN SMITH 



LOUIS F. KUNTZ 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



227 



of the Bronx. He is a Democrat in politics, Ijut never held or 
aspired to any pnblic office, devoting his business life to his 
profession, and talces a great interest in all questions and actions 
taken for the improvement and development of the Bronx. He 
is an active member of the North Side Board of Trade. 

JOSEPH HARRIS JONES.— The subject of this sketch 
was born in Ireland in the early sixties. He is a member of 
a characteristic Irish family as to numbers — eight boys and four 
girls — six of the boys thinking well enough of the United States 
to make their homes here. At the age of fourteen he started out 
to seek his fortune and at once saw the advantages of railroad 
financing, so he became conductor on a bus in Liverpool, Eng- 
land. It was in Liverpool rhat the foundation of his building 
experience was laid, he being for some time in the employ of 
his uncle, who was a prominent builder in that city. He arrived 
in New York in 1883. For ten years succeeding this time he 
was in the employ of one of the largest firms who make a -"pe- 




JOSEPH HARRIS JONES 

cialty of structural iron work for buildings. He took up his 
residence in the Bronx in 1885, in the days when it was not only 
the privilege but the duty of the passengers to assist in lifting 
the forward eiid of the "Old Huckleberry" on the track, while 
the ladies were requested to go "to the other end, please." In 
1893 he was married to Miss Fannie L. Morell of this city. Mr. 
Jones has two daughters (both living), Grace Percival and 
Elizabeth Frances. Mr. Jones has for many years devoted his 
energies to building in the Highbridge section, his reason for the 
selection of this location being, to use his own words, on the 
principle that "Nothing is too good for the Irish." 

JOHN F. NORMOVLF, the prominent ;ni(l active real 
estate agent of West Fanns, was born in New York City, Jan- 
uary 20, 1864. and was educated at Gramiriar School No, 62, 



After his graduation he sought the real estate business as a 
future profession, and has gained wonderful proficiency in the 
business. His methods employed have been and are of the 
tnost systematic character, and give universal satisfaction to his 
large clientage. Ever alert for the interest of his customers, 
he is indefatigable in his energies to secure for them excel- 
lent remuneration from their investments. Thoroughly con- 
versant with properties and values in all localities of the 
Bronx, and keeping constantly on his books the cream of 
Bronx and other properties, and having a practical knowledge 
of all appraised values, he is largely sought by investors for 
information and advice as to their purchases and holdings. As 
a real estate enc\'clopedia, Mr. Normoyle stands second to no 
other real estate operator or agent in the great Borough of the 
Bronx. His knowledge is invaluable to those who seek it, and 
it is highly appreciated by those who have received and used it. 
In 1889 Mr. Normoyle married Miss L. Green, of New York 
City, a well connected and highly accomplished young lady, 
the result of this union being five children, Mary (deceased), 
Clara. Eugene, John F., Jr., and Anthony Normoyle. Mr. Nor- 
moyle has i;o social or political affiliations ; he is strictly a real 
estate agent, attending to the wants and business affairs of his 
clients, and after business hours devotes his time with his happy 
and interesting family at home. He is a genial and courteous 
gentleman, and among his business associates is admired for his 
strict integrity and thorough business qualifications. 

GEORGE J. STRICKER.— As a real estate operator, fire 
insurance agent and man of affairs, the name at the head of this 
biographical review is highly esteemed and respected. Mr. 
Strieker comes from good sturdy German-Bavarian stock. His 
father, Jacob Strieker, was born in (joUheim, Rheinpfalz, Bavaria, 
and came to America in 1840 and settled in Brooklyn, N. Y., 
where he engaged in the bakery business and by close attention 
' to every detail he soon made a name for himself, and better 
still, a competence. He resided in the city of churches for fifty 
years. Mr. Strieker married Miss Elizabeth Rung, of Bamberg, 
Rheinpfalz, Bavaria. They had a family of seven children, 
George J. Strieker being the oldest of the sons. The subject 
of this biography was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., where he re- 
sided, and received his early education in the private schools 
of that city. After leaving school young Strieker entered the 
importing wholesale drygoods house of Levi Bros, in Greene 
Street, New York City, where he remained for eighteen years, 
making his home on Jersey City Heights. Being ambitious 
and desiring to improve his condition and get into business 
tor himself, he decided to give up his position with the Levi 
Jjros. and in April, 1803, moved to the Bronx, where he opened 
a real estate office at .?o.|8 Third Avenue, and remained there for 
nine years. His business prosperity increased until he had to 
move into larger quarters which he found at 3050 Third Ave- 
nue, where he now is, and where he does a general real estate 
business, handling a large amount of Bronx property. As a 
fire insurance agent he stands among the best in the borough. 
Mr. Strieker has charge of some very large estates, among 
which may be mentioned the Wicks block oit Third Avenue, 
between 156th and is/th Streets. On November 23, 1882, Mr. 
Strieker was united in marriage to Miss Barbara Wick, of 
the well known Wick family, of Manhattan (Yorkville). The 
fruits of their union are two sons, George J. and Harold Strieker. 
Mr. Strieker is a member of Wieland Lodge, No. 714, F. and 
A. M. He is popular socially and is always willing to do hi?\ 
.share to advance the development of the Bronx. 





JOHN F. NORMOYLE 



GEORGE J. STRICKER 





WALTER WHEWELt 



THOMAS T. URE^^ 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



229 



WALTER WHEWELL, actually and successfully engaged 
in the real estate business of the Bronx, Manhattan and all the 
Boroughs of the Greater City, was born August 31, 1876, at Man- 
chester, England. In his teens he came to New York City with 
his parents, some 22 years ago, and graduated at Public School, 
(old 63) at 173d Street and Third Avenue. After leaving school 
he chose the real estate business as a profession. Carefully and 
cautiously he entered into the business, and by close application 
10 all its details, he became after a few years experience, a master 
of its many and most intricate surroundings. As a successful 
operator for his large clientage, he stands second to none in his 
favorite profession. A steadfast Republican in politics, he has 
never courted political favors or ascendencies. As a public 
spirited citizen, he has always identified himself with every pub- 
he enterprise that meant progress for the Borough of the Bronx. 
His latest move in this direction was to organize the Real Estate 
Brokers of the Bron.v into an association for self-protection, and 
for the benefit of the Bronx property owners. 

THOM.\S T. UREN. — A prominent builder and real estate 
dealer, was born at the Village of Carnhill Green, near Cam- 
borne, Cornwall, England, May 14, 1862. His father, John 
Uren, was a tunnel inspector on the Great Western Railway 
under that famous chief engineer, Sir Robert Brunei. Mr. Uren 
attended school until he was 15 years of age, when he was en- 
gaged as an office boy by a well known solicitor of Newport, 
Monmouthshire, whom he served for a short period and then 
entered into the produce business and from the age of 17 to 20 
years was a traveling salesman in South Wales in that line. On 
May 16, 1882, he sailed from Newport to visit his sister, Mrs. 
Henry S. Harry, then living in Melrose, the Bronx. After a 
voyage of nine days a collision with an iceberg occurred which 
obliged the mariners to put into St. Johns, Newfoundland, where 
he arrived on May 28 and left there June 18, arriving here June 
24. In 1885 Mr. Uren was employed by a firm of prominent 
builders to superintend their construction work and entered 
zealously into this industry. At this period he contracted on his 
own account with John Brown, of Hoboken, N. J., to build the 
Calvary M. E. Church at East Orange, N. J., which he com- 
pleted, and the following year built the mason work of Calvary 
M. E. Church at 129th Street and Seventh Avenue, New York 
City. In 1887 he constructed eight houses on Ninety-seventh 
Street, and in 1891 built the Bedford Park Congregational Church. 
In the past fifteen years Mr. Uren has been one of the most 
active builders of the great city. He has built properties of 
large value in various localities of Manhattan and the Bronx 
and has aided largely in developing the rapid improvements of 
the borough. His active pursuit at present is involved princi- 
paly in real estate matters, the buying and selling of properties, 
in which he is considered one of the leading experts in the 
Greater City. Mr. Uren married May 17, 1888, Miss Lydia 
Weber, daughter of Jacob and Regina Weber, of Liberty, Sulli- 
van Co., N. Y., and had one son, William Walter, who died 
April 16, 18&9. In politics he is democratic in local affairs. 
but independent in national, and is a member of the Jefferson 
Tammany Hall Club of the 3Sth District. Mr. Uren is associ- 
ated in business with Mr. Kurz at No. 3025 Third Avenue, under 
the firm name of Kurz & Uren, who are known to have the 
largest and most influential clientage in the Bronx. Mr. Uren 
was a first cousin of the late John R. Thomas, one of America's 
leading architects, who died suddenly at the Thousand Islands 
in August, 1901, and who designed the Hall of Records, con- 



sidered to be one of the city's most beautiful buildings. This 
building was only one of the beautiful edifices designed. 

WILLIAM F. A. KURZ. — One of the youngest, most suc- 
cessful and influential real estate brokers in the Bronx, is a 
native of the borough ; born July 20, 1873, and was educated at 
Grammar School No. 62. His father was the senior contractor 
for Brewster & Co., the famous manufacturers of carriages, 
where young Kurz joined and assisted him in the conduct of 
his large responsibilities until his father's death. Ambitious and 
imbibed with the spirit of enterprise, he went to North Caro- 
lina and with sufficient means became a builder, erected several 
houses in the Southern Pines, in which he still retains large in- 
terests. After meeting w-ith elated success in the former, his 
first enterprise, he returned to his native home, the Bronx, and 
entered actively into the real estate business. His success from 
the start, some seven years ago, has been marked as invincible. 
He perhaps has on his books the largest German clientage of 
.iny other operator north of the Harlem River. He has de- 
veloped large property interests in the center, as well as in all 
tbe various sections of the Bronx for his large and influential 
clientage. Owners of large estates and investors in Bronx 
realty are in constant consultation with Mr. Kurz, to whom they 
rely to intrust the care, management and development of their 
large holdings. Mr. Kurz married in October, 1893, Miss Minnie 
A. Junge, a refined and accomplished young lady from Couders- 
port. Cotter County, Pemisylvania, and has an interesting family 
of two children, namely, Charles, deceased, and Marguretta, 
living. He and his family are members of the Lutheran Church ; 
he belongs to Aberdeen Lodge, No. 484, F. and A. M., of South- 
ern Pines, N. C, Royal Arcanum, Suburban Council, Alpha 
Lodge, I. O. O. F., No. 182, North Carolina, the Schnorer Club 
and is a member of the E.\ecutive Committee of the Twenty-third 
Ward Property Owners' Association. His offices at 3025 Third 
.\venue are admirably situated in the business centre of the 
Bronx and are fitted up with every convenience necessary for 
the transaction of his important affairs; also a member of Asso- 
ciation of Bronx Real Estate Brokers and Commissioner of 
Ways and Mean-. On January i he formed a partnership witii 
Thos. T. Uren. 

JAMES EDWARD C.\LLAX, a noted real estate dealer 
at No. 807 Treniont Avenue and a resident of the Borougli of 
the Bronx for the past thirty-eight years, was born in New York 
City May 25, 1857. He graduated from Public School No. 55, 
and is an undergraduate of the College of the City of New 
York. In 1867 he came to the Bronx with his parents, who 
took up their home in Tremont, where he still resides and tran- 
sacts his business. After entering into the real estate business 
he formed an extensive acquaintance and by his striking per- 
sonality, his remarkable business ability and successful efforts 
in behalf of his numerous clients he gradually approached the 
position he occupies at present as one of the active and most 
flourishing real estate brokerage and insurance agents in the 
Bronx Borough. Mr. Callan is a practical and thorough real 
estate broker ; he is conversant with values in all parts of the 
Bronx and Manhattan ; is an expert appraiser of improved or 
Muimproved properties, ;incl through this important knowledge be 
names among his clients a large number of our best and wealthy 
citizens. While his political tendencies are democratic, he has 
never been very active in politics, having strictly confined him- 
self to the building up of his large and successful real estate 
business. 





WILLIAM F. A. KURZ 



J \MES EDWARD CALUAN 





GEORGE FOX TIFFANY 



JACOB LEITNER 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



23J 



Jacob LEITNER, one of the prominent factors in real 
estate matters of the Bronx, was born in Austria, November 
6, i86g. After receiving a thorough public school education 
in Europe, he emigrated to the United States in 1886 and set- 
tled in New York City, where lie at once familiarized himself 
with the real estate business, and also made himself perfectly 
familiar with all matters of public interest pertaining to muni- 
cipal and national affairs. His close application to such im- 
portant matters brought him in;to public notice in the year 
igo2, when as an active member of the Republican party, he 
received the nomination of his district as alderman, and was 
elected by a large majority over his Democratic opponent. Mr. 
Leitner served his term as Alderman and then retired from 
active participation in political affairs, devoting his wliole time 
to real estate, in which he has been so successful that he is 
ranked as one of the most prominent operators of the profes- 
sion in that long category of eminent real estate men of the 
Bronx. The gentleman is a member of Centennial Lodge, No. 
453, F. and A. M., and has no other society or club connection>.-. 
He is a bachelor, conservative in his business affairs, but in the 
meantime a man of the hour and amazingly successful in all 
matters entrusted to him by his clients. 

GEORGE FOX TIFFANY is tenth in lineal descent from 
one of the original patentees of West Farms. In 1661 John 
Richardson, with Edward Jessup, purchased this tract from the 
Indians and subsequently the patent was confirmed to them by 
the English Crown. John Richardson's daughter, Elizabeth 
Richardson, married Gabriel Leggett and inherited much of the 
land now included within the limits of Springhurst and on both 
sides of the road leading from Hunt's Point to the village at 
West Farms. From her Mr. Tiffany is descended. He is the 
son of Henry D. Tiffany and was born on June 10, 1867, at the 
Fox Homestead, so long the country home of his grandparents, 
William W. Fox and his wife, Charlotte Leggett. This house 
is situated at the junction of West Farms Road and what is 
now called Westchester Avenue, but which was formerly known 
as the "Old Westchester Turnpike.'' The subject of this sketch 
therefore belongs to the Bronx by both tradition and interests. 
He was educated mainly at the Harrington School, Westchester, 
New York City, and St. Paul's School, Concord, New Hamp- 
shire. His business is that of a real estate broker and appraiser, 
and his extended experience while watching the development of 
the Bron.x Borough, especially in the laying out and building up 
of the locality surrounding the Fox Estate has given him ad- 
vantages in foresight and appraisals not easily acquired by new- 
comers in the business. He is a member of the Protestant 
Episcopal Church. He is non-partisan in politics, believing in 
the right man for the right place. He has identified himself 
with the North Side Board of Trade and the Bronx Board of 
Real Estate Brokers. He is a golfer, having been the originator 
of the Westchester Golf Club and is a member of the Transit 
Rod and Gun Club, all of these being Bronx organizations. 

MISS iMARY M. HENNING, the only lady that is a 
representative and active real estate, fire and plate glass 
insurance broker in the Borough of the Bronx, with office and 
residence on Avenue C, between Thirteenth and Fourteenth 
Streets, Unionport, was born in New York City, February 15, 
1861, attended the sisters schools, and is an undergraduate of 
the Ursuline Academy. The daughter of Henry and Mary Mag- 
dalena Henning, old and highly respected residents of the 
Bronx, she was carefully raised and received the constant at- 



tention of her parents as to her educational affairs, which 
covered the entire curriculum of classical and business knowledge. 
So thoroughly was the latter accomplished, that in 1903, Miss 
Henning. ambitious to test her abilities, chose the real estate 
business as her profession, and with confidence in herself to 
succeed, she announced to the community that she was ready 
and open for business. In a very short time she made herself 
manifest among the property owners, managers of estates and 
investors ; with more than unusual ability she soon had a 
roster of choice properties in the best locations that she could 
offer to her clients at prices that invited immediate and profit- 
able investment. At the end of the three years, she was de- 
lighted to discover that her labors had not been in vain, that 
she had built up a solid and substantial foundation for her 
business in the future, and that her greatest hopes had been 
realized ; she was a success, and had become known throughout 




MISS MARY MAGDALENA HENNING 

the Bronx Borough and Manhattan, as one of the most active, 
industrious and successful brokers north of the Harlem River. 
Her clientage increased rapidly until at the present time her 
office is a hive of industry and her sales far exceed many of the 
older firms in the borough, who have from four to five as- 
sistants engaged with them to carry on the business. Single- 
handed and alone. Miss Henning manages and directs her own 
afiairs, except when obliged to be absent from her office to 
look after important details, her mother, a lady of culture and 
refinement, assumes charge of her office affairs and with the 
same business methods employed by her daughter. In property 
values. Miss Henning has become an expert, and has that won- 
derful faculty of locating and securing houses and plots, that 
appeal to the investor or purchaser as such that will rapidly ad- 
vance in value, either for improvement or investment. Re- 





FREDERICK SCHMIDT 



JAMES F. MEEHAN 





WILLIAM H. STONEBRIDGE 



CHARLES A. BAXTER 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



^ 



Imineralive properties is what Miss Henning carries upon her 
hooks, and for this reason her cHents arc so numerous, and 
llicy have ahsokUe confidence in her judgment. Owners of 
estates and indivickial property owners are in constant con- 
sultation with lior, and are only t(X) willing to intrust the sale 
of their holdings to her excellent care. Miss Henning has been 
a resident of Unionport for the past 13 years and is highly 
respected and honored by the whole community for her culture 
and refinement, her great business qualifications, and her stric 
integrity in all of her busines transactions. Besides her large 
real estate business, she is actively engaged in the fire and plate 
glass insurance, representing the very best and leading com- 
panies in the country, is a notary pul)lic, attends to the execution 
of legal and pension papers. The lady is a member of the 
Churcli of the Holy Family, Companion uf the Foresters of 
America, the Legion of the Sacred Heart, and was treasurer 
for three years of the St. Rose of Lima Sodality of St. Joseph's 
Church on Eighty-seventh Street, Manhattan. Her father, 
Henry Henning, is a native of New York City, and her mother, 
Mary Magdelena Henning, was born in Bavaria, Germany. Miss 
Henning is also a member of the Catholic Women's Benevolent 
Legion. 

CHARLES A. BAXTER, architect and builder, of the 
Bronx, and a prominent man of that region for years, can boast 
of a life of many vicissitudes. A romance in itself, which it is 
unnecessary to color or embellish, this life story of his; a tale 
of many lands, of tropical and war time adventure, eveti the 
bare skeleton of which is interesting indeed. Mr. Baxter is 70 
years old. He was born in Baton Rouge, La., in 1835, and was 
educated partly in the Louisiana High School there, and partly 
in Calcutta College, East Indies. In early life he took service 
with the East India Company as an officer of engineers. He 
was actively engaged in the Crimean war under British colors, 
and was in the Sepoy war of 1855 and '56. In 1857 he took 
part in the second Chinese war, but having sworn allegiance to 
the Queen and declined to fight under her banner, he was sen- 
tenced to fifteen years penal servitude at Palupina. He served, 
however, only six weeks of that sentence. Then he was released 
and ordered to garrison at Fort William. Thereafter he was 
actively engaged in that rebellion as a commissioned lieutenant 
of engineers. He also served in the second Chinese rebellion, 
which, however, lasted only three months. His next commission 
was in command of a coast survey schooner; then he was sent 
to Madagascar to punish raiding savages ; then he contracted 
with the Portuguese government to build a coolie barracoon a 
thousand feet square, and this singularly enough, was his very 
first real architectural employment. Next we find him in 
Havana duplicating this structure; next in Montevideo in the 
Argentine engaged in a rebellion. Next again in 1859, in 
Mexico, surveying for the government in the engineer corps, 
and in that capacity first reaching the Bronx as a purchasing 
agent and buying reflectors from a company still in existence. 
At this time he bought also for himself a double house and six- 
teen lots at Twelfth Street and Fourth Avenue from Rev. Dr. 
Jones. Returning now to Mexico he found the Juarez revolu- 
tion under way. He built a soldier's barracks in Vera Cruz for 
the Mexican government about this time, but being driven out 
by the revolutionists, was engaged by Admiral Ammen of the 
United States Navy as civil engineer. January, 1861, found him 
in Havana again, engineering and building for the Chinese Pinto 
Co. The civil war of the North and South now coming on. 
Admiral Schofield, United States Consul General there, after 
making him take the oath of allegiance because of his Southern 



birth, gave him transportation to New York. From there he 
went to Washington and was detailed to Cairo, 111., there to 
assist in the construction of floating batteries. In July, '62, he 
was appointed to temporary service with Farragut's fleet and 
was in all its actions on to Mobile Bay, for a few months in 
command of the "Genesee' sloop of war. Here he was dis- 
charged for disabilities and sent North to die. This, however, 
he declined to do, and six weeks after was drilling recruits in 
the Navy Yard. Soon after that he was assigned as executive 
officer of the steamer "Emma Henry," the fastest m the service, 
and was sent to join Gordon's fleet at Havana, there to demand 
of the Spanish authorities the Confederate ram "Stonewall Jack- 
son." They gave it up and it was taken to Key West. He re- 
signed from the naval service in 1866 and returned to civil life 
as an architect and engineer at Wall and William Streets; at the 
same time taking up a residence on Washington Avenue in the 
Bronx. He was the first to start then the building up of North 
New York with forty-two buildings under way at one time. He 
has led a very active life and taken much part in public con- 
cerns along lines particularly of public improvement. He is 
chairman of the Executive Committee of the Twenty-third Ward 
Property Owners, and holds the same office in the South Bronx 
.■Xssociation. He is president also of the Building Trades' Em- 
ployers' Association of the Bronx and chairman of the East 
Side Rapid Transit League. He is vice national commander 
of the Army and Navy Union of the United States, first na- 
tional president of the Veterans' Protective Association, a mem- 
ber of the G. A. R., and the Association of Veterans of Farra- 
gut's fleet, belongs to the Loyal Legion and the Doric Lodge, 
K. and A. M. His son, Chas. H., Jr., is also a well known 
Bronxite. He is a graduate of the public schools, of a business 
college, of the Technical Department New York University, and 
has studied law and been admitted to tlie bar, and is now a 
prominent architect and contractor. 

FREDERICK SCHMIDT, decea.sed, who during hib life- 
time was one of the foremost contractors in the Borough of the 
Bronx, was horn in Havaria, (iermany, September 21, 1846, and 
died on Novenil)er 4, 1902. At the age of six years Mr. Schmidl 
emigrated to America with his parents, and at the time of his 
deatli was one of the citizens of this borough who had resided 
longest within its confines, about fifty-one years. He built up a 
large and successful business as a general contractor, and did 
more than any one man to improve and build up this section of 
New York City. The affairs of his estate are still successfully 
conducted by his widow, ably assisted by her son, William 
Schmidt, at No. 824 Westchester Avenue. Mrs. Schmidt is re- 
garded as a clever business woman and has been unusually suc- 
cessful in the securing of many large city contracts. During 
his lifetime, Mr. Schmidt was a staunch Democrat, although \n 
never sought or desired to hold any public office. He was a 
prominent member of many organizations, among which were 
the Foresters of America, Knights of Pythias, F. & A. M., 
Exempt Firemen, was the oldest member of the Hornet Social 
Club, and a member of the Lutheran Church. On November 
^6, 1867, iic nrirried .Mis-. Wilhelmina Seitz. Nine children 
were born to the union, si.x of whom are living, viz.: William, 
Minnie, Andrew, George, Anna J., and Catherine. The deceased 
;'.rc Charles. Friedic, Frederick A. Mr. Schmidt was one of the 
most highly respected citizens residing in the Bron.x. He was 
a self-made man, possessed of those sterling qualities which al- 
ways leave their mark. He was honorable to a fault, and it was 
due to these high traits, which he so closely adhered to, that was 
largely responsible for his success in life. 







!»!' }f'*i i ,jt, ■■"^' "* " 





MANHANSET APARTMENT HOUSE. ERECTED BY JAMES F. MEEHAN 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



235 



JAMES F. MEEHAN, architect and builder, was born in 
New York Citv Noveiuber i8, 187.^, where he received his edu- 
cation at the Christian Brothers Schiml, grachiating therefrom 
in 1885. After completing his academic course he decided to take 
up the profession of an architect, and entered upon a course of 
study in the public schools, attending the night sessions during 
the years of l8go to 1894. By close application and diligence he 
mastered every detail of that profession, and rose by degrees 
from a subordinate post to that of a successful architect and 
builder. Ten years ago Mr. Meehan became a resident of the 
Borough of the Bronx. Being a keen observer of real estate 
values, and quickly grasping what the future of the borough 
might be he began making investments, entermg the field of 
building operations. Foresight, together with well-directed 
energy, has proven the wisdom of his judgment. During the 
past ten years Mr. Meehan has constructed more than fifty mod- 
ern apartment houses in the Bron.x. At present he is building on 
the old Macy homestead site one of the finest, high-class apart- 
ment structures ever erected in the borough, and the first one 
in which elevator service has been installed, the cost of which 
will be about $150,000. Mr. Meehan occupies a position differ- 
ent from the average builder, being a practical architect and de- 
signer, and during the construction of his work every part is 
under his supervision, which in itself is a positive guarantee of 
substantial workmanship and quality of material. Politically, 
Mr. Meehan is a staunch Democrat, but not an office-seeker, pre- 
ferring lo be a worker in the ranks. He is a prominent member 
of the Knights of Columbus and of the Catholic Church. He 
is president of the James F. Meehan Building and Construction 
Company, and vice-president of the Bronx Borough Realty and 
Construction Company. In November, 1895, Mr. Meehan married 
Catherine Keating, of New York City. Four children, James 
F., Jr., Lillian and Francis (deceased), and Helen (living), have 
been born to the union. The family reside in a comfortable 
home at No. 1123 Hewitt place, the interior of which at once 
suggests culture and refinement. Mr. Meehan is a type of the 
self-made man which always leaves its impress for good in the 
community. He is a typical American, patriotically devoted to 
his country and the best interests of its citizens, and always 
ready to lend his aid to the advancement of any good cause. 

EDWARD J. CAHILL, a prominent builder of the Bronx, 
was born in New York City on July 14, 1857, and educated in 
the public schools of the city. He has resided in the borough 
for the past nine years, and is one of its most active builders, 
and during this period has accomplished much towards the ad- 
vancement and progress of the borough. In 1877 Mr. Cahill 
married Miss Sarah F. Tew, the happy union, resulting in 
seven children, viz. : Loretta Becker, Viola, Edward J., Jr., 
Arthur, Lucy and Alva Cahill, who are all living, and Charles 
F. Cahill deceased. M,r. Cahill is a Democrat in politics and is 
prominently identified with the Tammany Hall Democratic Club 
of Van Nest. The gentleman is well known throughout the 
Bronx as one of its most enterprising citizens, and enjoys the 
distinction of being exceedingly active in promoting the growth 
and advancement of all public improvements. 

WILLIAM H. STONEBRIDGE, an active and successful 
real estate operator, is a native of the Bronx, where he was 
born in East 139th Street, on March 15, 1872. He was edu- 
cated at Public Schools Nos. 61 and 64, Morrisania, Fordham, 
and choose real estate dealing as his profession, in which he 
has remained to the present time, enjoying the confidence of a 



large number of property owners and trustees of estates both 
in the Bronx and Manhattan. He was the first recruit from the 
Bronx who became a member of that crack artillery company 
known as the Second Battery, N. G., S. N. Y. Always a 
staunch Republican, though never holding or aspiring to public 
office, he has connected liimself prominently with a few of 
the leading organizations of the Bronx for advancing its prog- 
ress and general stability. He is active in the councils of the 
Taxpayers' Alliance, the Taxpayers' Association, the Highway 
Alliance, the Union Republican Club, and the Belmont Repub- 
lican Club. He is a highly respected member of the Anderson 
Memorial Reformed Church, being one of its first members and 
officers. He is also one of the charter members and organizers of 
the Bronx As.sociation of Real Estate Brokers and Auctioneers. 
He has been closely identified with all public improvements in 
the Borough of the Bronx, and his presence at all the hearings 
before the Local Boards has become proverbial. On November 




S. H. GAINSBORG 

19, 1902, he married Miss Harriett A. Levers, of Huntingdon. 
Canada. Mr. Stonebridge devotes his leisure hours to his home, 
enjoying the domestic peace and comforts of hi'S family, which 
includes William L., his only child. 

S. H. GAINSBOi^CJ came to New Y'ork from Lima, Peru, 
S. A., in 1891, with his wife and seven children, where he was en- 
gaged in the import and e.xport business. Immediately he started 
to operate in real estate in this city and Westchester County and 
made the same success of it as he had done in South America. He 
bought a large tract of land, over two hundred and fifty acres, m 
White Plains, N. Y., and laid it out in villa plots under the 
name of "Silver Lake Park." He constructed a complete water 
system, established a fire department, etc., built houses, in fact. 




THOMAS D. MALCOLM 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



237 



he did not spare any money to make that tract of land one of the 
most beautiful spots in White Phiins and Westchester County. 
Everything which he promised to do, when he first opened the 
property, was fulfilled, for Mr. Gainsborg's word is as good as 
gold. Mr. Gainsborg besides making these achievements in 
Silver Lake Park, became well known tlirongh his being the orig- 
inator of the first trolley line in White Plains, which has been the 
embryo of a trolley system which now extends all over West- 
chester County, and which practically connects the Sound with 
the Hudson. The first line was started between White Plains 
depot and Silver Lake Park. It was indeed no easy matter to do 
that, as Mr. Gainsborg had to contend with local residents who 
did not wish to have iheir street spoiled (.as they termed it) 
liy trolley cars; however, his zeal and energy finally enabled him 
to succeed in accomplishing this undertaking. Through this 
medium White Plains is one of the biggest street railroad centers 
Mr. Gainsborg is at present president of the Bankers' Realty & 
Security Company, who purchased last year a tract of land be- 
tween Middletown Road and Eastern Boulevard. He is under- 
taking the improvement of this property in an "A No. I way,' 
having all the necessary equipments which go to make an aristo- 
cratic section. The success of that section is quite obvious since 
Mr. Gainsborg is interested in that locality. He belongs to a 
great many prominent clubs and is also a high member of the 
.Masonic organization. He has eight children, all of whom are 
well known in the musical world, and are members of prominent 
clubs. lie is preparing plans at present to build a magnificeni 
house for himself and family on the Eastern Boulevard in 
I reniiiul Terrace. 

rilO.MAS D. MALCOLM, one of the must enterprising 
and foremost builders in the Bronx, was born on August 4, i860, 
at Strathinglo, Fifeshire, Scotland, and educated in the public 
scliools of the latter place. On his entrance to the United States 
he at once became an active contractor and in a few years had 
ilc\ek)ped himself into an important factor as a contractor of the 
lir.-t rank ni supplying cut stone for a large number of the most 
iiiipi>rtain and expensive structures erected in our city, such as 
ilie Century Building, the City Hall improvement ,and a large 
number of great apartment structures on the West Side, which 
stand as permanent monuments to his integrity, his artistic skill 
and mechanical ingenuity. For si.xteen years Mr. Malcolm has 
been one of the most active and industrious builders in the 
Bron.x. He was the first that had the stamina and courage to 
inaugurate the erection of apartment houses in the Bron.x, which 
was considered by well known experts in realty to be a rash 
movement and utterly an unprofitable undertaking. Not daunted 
he applied himself faithfully to his work and with such success 
that in all of his several undertakings shrewd investors eagerly 
watched his progress and relieved him of his holdings at the 
completion of his work at his own prices. Inspired by his suc- 
cess he kept in motion rapid improvements in various districts 
of the Bronx and has to his credit the erection of innumerable 
buildings, all of which have instantly found a ready market. 
The Strathden at Westchester and P!erL;eii .\venues, which is 
I07.\96, and that massive and imposing structure, the Strathalleii, 
at 154th Street and Melrose Avenue, 50x100, both the most 
modern high class apartments in that valuable center. At the 
present time this enterprising builder is constructing a six-.«tory 
high class modern apartment on the southwest corner of Melrose 
Avenue and i6oth Street, occupying an area of 49x100 feet and 
on the south side of i6oth Street, 21 feet east of Melrose Avenue, 
a five-story house, occupying a lot 50x100 feet, accommodating 
twenty-one families. Like all the other properties that Mr. Mal- 



colm has constructed, these latter are up-to-date in every im- 
provement and artistic skill required in the work of first class 
properties. On December 24, 1883, Mr. Malcolm married Miss 
.\nnie Bissett, the result of this union being three children, 
Gilbert, Aleck and Thomas, one living and two deceased. In 
politics, which rarely disturbs the equanimity of Mr. Malcolm, 
he is a Democrat and is an active member of the organization nf 
Employees, the North Side Board of Trade, the Twenty-third 
Ward Property Owners' Association and the Jefferson Club. 
His family and himself are members of the Brethren Baptist 
Church and are held in the highest esteem by its pastor and 
congregation. On River Avenue, off Jerome Avenue, between 
167th and l68th Streets, Mr. Malcolm erected a handsome pri- 
vate residence, which he presented to his estimable wife as 
one of the many laurels he has won by his ability, his probity 
and strict integrity in his dealings with his fellow men. Being 
only of middle age. e(|uiiiped with all llie resources of one who 




.lOHN G. BORGSTEDE 

has by his own industry and natural ability pushed himself to 
ilie front rank of his honorable profession and successful in 
all his undertakings, Mr. Malcolm is one of the few men in the 
.s^reat Borough of the Bronx that has inrelibly stamped his im- 
press upon its progression and will be known and held as one of 
its first citizens. 

JOHN G. BORGSTEDE, president of Ferncliffe Cemetery 
and real estate operator, was born in New York City, September 
I, 1867. His education was obtained in the public schools, 
after which he took a thorough course at Packard's Business 
College. After leaving college, Mr. Borgstede started in busi- 
ness as an entry clerk in the house of L. Franke & Co., Silk 
Importers, of No. no Grand Street, with whom he remained 
for nine years. In 1891 he engaged in the real estate business 





THOMAS J. JENKINS 



EDWARD J. CAHILL 





CUSTAVE EULENSTEIN 



JOHN FREES 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



239 



on his own account, opening an office at 207 East Fifty-fourth 
Street, with a branch in the Twelfth Ward Bank Building in 
125th Street for the handhng of Bronx property. In 1896, Mr. 
Borgstede opened his present offices at No. 3273 Third Avenue, 
discontinuing his down town branches. Owing to the extensive 
real estate operations carried on by him, he employs a large 
office force for the transaction of his affairs. In the selection 
of his forces Mr. Borgstede invariably requires that they shall 
at all times be courteous and polite. Mr. Borgstede is a con- 
sistent Republican, always standing for good government. He 
is a member of the Union Republican, the Schnorer and Ford- 
ham Clubs, the North Side Republican Club, Taxpayers' As- 
sociation, Bethany Lutheran Church ; a member of the North 
Side Board of Trade, being one of the charter members, and a 
trustee of the North Side Savings Bank. On September 18, 
1889, Mr. Borgstede was united in marriage with Miss Josephine 
S. Klenke. They have five children, all daughters, respectively : 
Sophia A. H., Anna J., Louise E., Dorothy J., and Mildred E. 
Mr. Borgstede is distinctively a self-made man. The high posi- 
tion he has attained in both business and social walks of life are 
entirely due to the correct principles he has employed since boy- 
hood. 

WILLIAM SCHMITZ was born in Germany in 1850. 
Being the son of a railroad contractor and builder, he received 
a good school education, and was associated with his father 
for several years. After his father's death, he followed up that 
business to 1880. In 1881 he came to New York City, worked 
for several firms, and in 1893 started in business for himself 




WILLIAM SCHMITZ 

under the firm name of Schmitz & Eulenstein. and for the past 
twelve years has been engaged in the building business in the 
Bronx, where he has erected many buildings in various parts of 
the Borough, and has a good name among his colleagues in the 
trade. He is a member of the Building Trade Employers' As- 
sociation of the Borough of the Bronx, and of the K. O. S. 
Bowling Club. 

GUSTAVE EULENSTEIN, of the prominenit firm of 
Bronx builders. Schmitz & Eulenstein, was born in Germany 



in i860. He came to New York City in 1882, and was engaged 
as foreman by prominent builders of this city. He entered into 
partnership with W. Schmitz, known for years past as Schmitz 
& Eulenstein, Builders and Contractors. Mr. Eulenstein has the 
reputation that the buildings he erects, when completed, are easily 
disposed of owing to the reputation of his firm for first class 
construction. He is a member of the Wieland Lodge, an active 
member of the K. O. S. Bowling Club, and of the Aurora 
I.iederkranz. 

JOHN FREES, a prominent Bronx builder and old time 
resident of this section, was born in Germany, February 14th, 
1841. He received a common school education in his native 
town and came to the New World in 1857 when he was but 
sixteen years of age. He came immediately to the section now 
known as the Borough of the Bronx, and was engaged with 
his brothers in the building business for about eleven years. 
He then severed connections with his brothers and entered the 
field alone as a building contractor in 1868. From the beginning 
his undertaking was marked with success and during his ex- 
tended career he has built many of the representative buildings 
of the Bronx. At the present time he holds a prominent posi- 
tion among the representative builders of this section. He is 
a member of the Twenty-third Ward Property Owners' As- 
sociation and a trustee of the Dollar Savings Bank. He married 
in 186,3 Katherine Lanzer and has a family of eight children, 
three daughters and five sons, each of whom are equipped with 
lucrative professions. Mr. Frees was the pioneer builder of the 
Melrose section of the Borough. He took a prominent part in 
securing many of the public improvements which that part of 
the borough now enjoys. 

THOMAS J. JENKINS, an architect and builder, forty- 
five years resident in the Bronx, and long successfully engaged 
in that line of business, has been interested in his time in more 
than one important project. Just now he is one of the principals 
in the establishment of the new Port Morris Wholesale Produce 
Market at the ferry foot of 134th Street, which has been recently 
opened for business and promises to be a success and great con- 
venience also. He is, in fact, the secretary of the company 
operating it. He is a Democrat but not often forward politically, 
business chiefly and strictly absorbing his attention. 

PHILLIP FREUDENMACHER. one of the most succes- 
ful and substantial mason-builders and general contractors of the 
Bronx, and head of the firm of Phillip Freudenmacher & Son, is 
located at 567 East iS4th Street, near Courtlandt Avenue. Mr. 
Freudenmacher was born in Bavaria March 28, 185 1, and at- 
tended school there. He has been a resident of the borough 
nearly twenty* years. He built the first synagogue in the Bronx, 
the "Hand-in-Hand ;" the Fairfax Building, Mt. Vernon; the 
Ricca Piano Factory at 134th Street and Southern Boulevard 
and other important structures. He is well known and ranks 
high among the German element of the borough. He is a 
member of a number of organizations, the following among 
them are : North Side Board of Trade, Twenty-third Ward 
Property Owners' Association, Jefferson Tammany Club, Schnor- 
er Club. .Arion Liedertafel Singing Society, of which he is treas- 
urer and was builder of their hall: the Melrose Turn Verein, 
."Vrion and other bowling clubs, the Odd Fellows, Masons and 
St. Matthew's German Lutheran Church, also the Building Trades 
Employers' Association of the Bronx, which originated with 
him. Mr. Freudenmacher married the 2jst day of September, 





CHARLES KNAUF 



MRS. CHARLES KNAUF 




ARTHUR W. WALL 




HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



24t 



1872, Miss Helena Hof, also a native of Bavaria. They have 
five living children and several deceased. His son is engaged 
in business with him. 

FREDERICK M. MELLERT, well known in the Bronx as 
a successful builder and contractor, was born in New York City, 
May 17, 1859. After graduating from the public schools he 
entered the employ of the old New York clothing firm, Brown- 
ing, King & Co. as a clerk in 1879. His aptitude for business 
and his cleverness in advancing the interests of the firm wer^' 
promptly recognized by them; when after a few years of active 
service as a clerk, they advanced him to the position of buyer 
of trimmings. This position he maintained successfully for 
over 15 years, until 1898. Being of a progressive nature and 
recognizing the very great future of the Bronx, he then entered 
upon a field to which he had given many years of quiet study, 




FREDERICK M. MELUERT 

viz.; the construction of buildings. From the start, to the 
present time, Mr. Mellert has been successful in all of his under- 
takings, which have been on some occasions of stupendous pro- 
portions. A staunch Republican in politics, he has held only 
one public office, when he was appointed a commissioner of 
condemnation proceedings for the taking of property for the 
city on Park Avenue West. He is a member of the Union Repub- 
lican Club, of the Fordham Club, a trustee for over 14 years 
of a very successful building and loan association, president 
of the Monroe Bowling Club and a few other popular associa- 
tions. Those who know Mr. Mellert thoroughly consider his 
word as good as his bond. September 22, 1884, he married 
Emma M. Bernhardt of Manhattan, and has three children, viz. ; 
Frederick H., Bertha L., and Emma J. 

CHARLES KNAUF, builder and promoter of Van Nest 
Park, in the Bronx, has certainly exhibited, during his career 
there, the qualities that command success. Mr. Knauf was born 



in Albany County, this state, October 21, 1858. At s years of 
age he was taken to Rensselaer County, and there, at Castleton, 
was sent to school. His youth was passed with his parents on a 
farm ; he remained on the old place, in fact, until he was 31 
years old. He then came to New York City and was first em- 
ployed by John Clark, president of the Ridgewood Ice Co., for 
five years. He had full charge of one depot, and it was in this 
capacity that he first visited the scene of his present activities, 
progressive Van Nest. He began there by purchasing two lots, 
and building himself a house. He had worked at carpentering 
about a year and was induced to enter the building line by H. P. 
Rose, and although he commenced under rather trying circum- 
stances, he has made of it an unqualified success. He has built 
since over 200 houses, all of them sold, and has more under 
way, and has earned fairly the name of a wise, as well as 
enterprising man. Mr. Knauf has a farm near the old place in 
Rensselaer and occasionally visits it for relaxation. He is a man 
of family, having married Miss Bertha Fernekes, of the Bronx, 
in 1884, and has one daughter, who is married. He sticks 
closely to business and is identified with but a single organization, 
the Royal Arcanum. 

NILS OLSEN, a practical builder of the Bronx, was born 
in Sweden September 15, 1861. He was educated at the public 
school of his native country, and attended a full course of in- 
struction at the Trade School of his locality, after which he 
served a full apprenticeship to the builders' trade. He emi- 
grated to this country in 1884, worked at his trade as journey- 
man and in a short time was advanced to the position of fore- 
man and superintendent of construction. He has visited dif- 
ferent parts of the United States and Alaska, and returning to 
the Bronx in 1890, he commenced operations as a builder on his 
(jwn account, and has been eminently successful in all of his 
important operations. Mr. Olsen has never manifested any in- 
terest in political affairs, but is an active member of Wyoming 
Lodge, F. and A. M., and the Building Trades Employers' 
.\ssociation, and a member of the Westchester Exempt Fire- 
men's Association. He was married to Miss Margarctt Doell 
I lecember 19, iSgi. has two children living, Anna M. and NiK 
W. Mr. Olsen is thoroughly domestic in his tastes and a reader 
of all the works of the great masters. 

ARTHUR W. WALL, the youngest real estate operator 
and builder in the Borough of the Bronx, was born in New 
York City on December 16, 1882, and was educated at the pub- 
lic schools and the New York Preparatory School. After his 
graduation preparation for the battle of life, he chose real estate 
and building as a profession, and applied himself so diligently 
to his work that at the age of 21 years he built a magnificent 
ti\e-story apartment house on the north side of iSSth Street, near 
Elton Avenue, and at the present time is erecting two six-story 
apartment houses, 50x100 each on the north side of is8th Street, 
100 feet west of Elton Avenue, which will supersede in beauty 
of architecture and modern improvements most of the many 
similar structures now being erected in the borough. In his 
real estate operations he has been wonderfully successful by 
finding and disposing of to his numerous clients at good prices 
to the seller, and exceedingly remunerative figures to the former. 
Mr. Wall is one of the most active young men in the Bronx. 
He individually superintends the construction of his buildings, 
giving his orders to the various mechanics like an old veteran, 
inspects every particle of material that goes into the work, and 
unhesitatingly sends back any of the latter that proves defective, 
or in any manner not to be of the first and best quality. There 
arc few men in the Bronx that have developed and exhibited 



242 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



such extraordinary talent for the business in so short a period 
as Mr. Wall, and it is predicted of him that his future will be 
the most brilliant and successful of the active young men of 
to-day, who are investing their means and lending their best 
energies to develop and beautify the present great borough. Mr. 
Wall belongs to the Republican Club of the Thirty-fourth Dis- 
trict. 

JULIUS FIGLINOLO, contractor and builder, w-as born 
at Rome, Italy, July lo, 1862, where he received his early edu- 
cation and training. Julius Figlinolo is essentially a self-made 
man, having by necessity had to shift for himself. Julius was 
alwavs of a romantic nature, and artistic to a hi^h decree. In 



latest apartment house, Villa Court, situated at 733 Union Ave- 
nue, is a credit to that beautiful thoroughfare, and conceded by 
builders and architects to be one of the most perfectly ap- 
pointed in the borough. On the same avenue he erected Nos. 
717 and 715, and many others in different parts of the city. 
At the present time he is building the magnificent stables of 
C. K. G. Billings, the gas magnate of Chicago, at igsth Street 
and Fort Washington Avenue. Mr. Figlinolo's own residence 
at 719 Union Avenue is one of the most attractive in the Bronx, 
and the artistic side of his nature is shown in the architecture 
and in the Italian gardens which practically surround the 
house. He has imported lemon and fig trees from Italy and de- 
lights in their culture and preservation. In 1SS6 and again in 




JULIUS FIGLINOLO AND FAMILY 



early youth one of his fondest dreams was to visit the land of 
the Stars and Stripes; night after night he would dream of 
.America, that wonderful country across the seas. In 1882 his 
dreams were realized; he saved enough money to pay his pas- 
sage, and when he landed in New York had twenty dollars left 
lo begin life in his new Arcadia. Young and ambitious, this 
sturdy son of sunny Italy looked around for something to do, 
and soon found it in the building trade, which he had studied 
in his native place. The Bronx was a good field for his opera- 
lions, and believing in its future made up his mind to settle in 
the borough and make it his home. Mr. Figlinolo has built a 
large number of flats and private houses in the Bronx. His 



1892 he spent his vacations in his native land, visiting en route 
Paris, France, and other continental cities. He studied the ar- 
chitecture of the various capitals of Europe and spent several 
weeks touring through France, Naples, Milan, Venice, and re- 
newing old friendships and acquaintances in Rome, the eternal 
;ity ; returning to America, architecturally invigorated and re- 
freshed, but in his Italian heart a better American than ever, 
In 1890 he was united in marriage to Miss Livea Desanda, of 
Naples, Italy. They have been blessed with three children., 
Elizabeth, Amelia and Antonio. Mr. Figlinolo has made many 
warm friends in the Bronx, and is rated as one of its substan= 
tial and progressive citizens. 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



243 



THOMAS JOSEPH QUINN, one of the most successful 
and practical builders in the Borough of the Bronx, was born 
in New York City February 24, 1872, and was educated at the 
public schools. The son of Andrew and Mary Quinn, a well 
known family in the city of the highest respectability and stand- 
ing, they carefully trained their son to become a useful and up- 
right citizen. After his graduation he received a position with the 
famous dry goods house of H. B. Claflin & Co., and there re- 
ceived that methodical business training that has characterized 




THOMAS JOSEPH QUINN 

his successful career so pronounced by his masterful building 
operations in the Bronx. After three years service with Claflin 
& Co., he gave four years of valuable time as purchasing agent 
for Naughton & Co., a responsible position, meeting with signal 
success in the latter venture. In 1900 he realized tliat in the 
building trade there was an unusual opening for one of strict 
executive requirements and special adaptability to all its intri- 
cate details. From the start his success has been phenomenal. 
Confining himself strictly to the erection of modern private 
houses containing all the latest and most improved appliances for 
purchasers, beautiful in architecture and substanliality con- 
structed under the requirements of the building laws. On Jack- 
son .\venue and ]66lh Street he built thai beautiful 
row of two-story privates and also the entire row of 
similar beauties on Forest Avenue. These magnificent 
houses attracted such general attention from their striking 
architecture, their substantial construction and their thorough 
equipment with every modern appliance that Mr. Quinn 
had them all sold in many cases before they were completed, to 
private individuals anxious to secure in advance of their finish, 
such desirable property. Mr. Quinn has confined himself strictly 
to this pattern of private houses and has built for himself an 
enviable reputation in the Bronx as among its foremost and com- 



petent builders. He was married Aflgust 8, 1900, to Miss Amy 
McDonnell, a highly accomplished young lady of New York 
City, and daughter of James and Marion McDonnell, a well known 
family of New York City; the result of this happy union being 
two interesting and promising children, James and Andrew 
t^uinn, both living. Mr. Quinn and his family are members of 
the Roman Catholic Church; he has no affiliations with politics; 
belongs to no societies or organizations, devoting his time to the 
conduct of his large building interests and to his family interests 
in his pleasant home. 

CHRISTIAN VONDRAN.— The well known house mover 
of the Borough of the Bronx, was born in Germany, July 25, 
1840, where he received his early education. He came to this 
city in 1863, and for two years worked as a laborer. In 1866 
he engaged in business as a carpenter, having learned the trade 
in Germany, and in 1870 he went into business for himself as 
a house mover, which profession he has sucessfully conducted 
tor the past thirty-four years. Among the notable perform- 
ances in house moving that Mr. Vondran successfully carried 
out, may be mentioned the following : The old William H. Webb 
homestead at Fordham Heights, a building 97 feet front by log 
teet deep; the Children's Home at Spuyten Duyvil, 90x27, moved 




CHRISTIAN VONDRAN 

292 feet. Built the Brothers' and Sisters' House for St. Mary's 
Catholic Church, dug the cellar and furnished sand and stone for 
the above. Moved a three-story brick and two four-story brown 
stone houses located on north side of 149th Street, between Mott 
■ind Walton Avenues. In 1900 moved the old Morgue at Belle- 
vue Hospital, after several other experts had declined the work. 
This latter he moved 100 feet and turned it around. Moved 
the buildings at the northeast corner of Westchester and Third 
.\venues, owing to the widening of the street. Mr. Vondran is 
a Democrat in politics and a member of the Chippewa and Talla- 





PHILLIP FREUDENMACHER 



C. C. HOTTENROTH 




^^|ggg^gMnganw^B||; 


iMl^Br^ .... ^3Ik ^kv 





F, VINTON SMITH 



TIMOTHY J. KELLY 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



245 



liiin<;.-i Clubs, and tlie Building Trades Employers' Association. 
Ik- was married June 19, 1866, to jMiss Catherine Gorman, of 
iIk' Urnnx. and has four sons and one daughter, Adam, John, 
Alexander II., Henry H. and Francis Vondran. The four sons 
are associated with Mr. Vondran in his large and active busi- 
ness. 

CHRISTIAN C. HOTTENROTH.— In these days of changt 
and stress the lives and personality of some of our most valua- 
l,le citizens are little known. They come and go about their 
business, doing their duty as (hey see it by their families, their 
friends and neighbors, the community and country, appreciated 
at their true worth only in that small knot of business or social 
acquaintance in which they move. Tliis class constitutes in the 
Bronx, as everywhere, a main stay; such a character we have 
at all events in our subject, nearly fifty years a resident of thi,'. 
city, and now at 67 years of age — nigh three score and ten — 
approaching the patriarchal stage. Mr. Jlottenroth was born in 
Allendorf, Hessel-Cassel, Germany, Dec. ii, iSjh. There, too, 
in his youth he went to school, and was employed for a time in 
the Burgomaster's, or as we have 11, tlie Jiayor s office. On his 
arrival here in 1857 he engaged 111 the harness business and 
followed it successfully many years. In 1890 he embarked in 
the real estate business in the bron.x, with a location near the 
Harlem Bridge. Later he acquired the property now occupied 
by him for the same purpose at J56J iliird ^'s.venue, juncliun of 
Morris Avenue and 138th Street, ite owns there also a piece of 
property wliich is in one particular unique, it is probably the 
smallest piece in the five boroughs upon which taxes are regu- 
larly assessed, and paid. This piece of property is 18 by 17 by 8 
inches, a triangle only 72 inches square! How it came about is 
a long story that may, however, be summed up in this: In 
X874 Air. Ilo'ttenroth bought the southwest corner of Third 
.\vemie and 139th Street. In 1880 Morris Avenue was opened 
from I bird .\veiiue to i56tli btreet. A change of grade was 
made also on Third Avenue from Harlem River north to 147th 
Street. By these improvements there was left a very small gore, 
just about enough in fact on which to plant a 60-foot flag-pole. 
Mr. Hottcnroth was never half compensated for the damage 
done his property ; and it was the fact that he failed to find a 
lawyer competent to secure it for him that decided his son, the 
■.veil known attorney, .'\. C. Hottenroth, in the choice of a pro- 
fession. Mr. Hottenroth, senior, succeeded the North Side Real 
Estate Bureau at the old location at the i'bird Avenue Bridge, 
His present location is an exceedingly promising one. It is a 
great transfer point for t.^ie surface lines and there is strong- 
probability that a subway station will be placed there as well. 
He first came to the Bronx to live, settling in Melrose in 1869. 
He has taken an active interest in the success of the Democratic 
party and was captain of his district in 1885, but he has always 
been satisfied with a place in the ranks and has never aspired to 
public office. He married in Tune, 1863, Miss Catherine Sandrock, 
also a native of Allendorf. She has borne him five children, 
three daughters, Emily (Mrs. Clark j, Anna (Mrs. Grossman), 
and Julia (Mrs. Goosen), and two sons, Adolph C, the lawyer 
referred to above, and Frederick W., who is a partner of his 
brother at 160 Broadway. 

TIMOTHY J. KELLY, of Williams & Kelly, builders and 
architects and real estate men of Van Nest Park, is a native 
of Hunt's Point, and a young man just past his majority. He 
has exhibited, however, a character and judgment beyond his 
years. He has been in business for himself for some time and 
with his partner has drawn many plans and filled contracts for 
numerous Van Nest structures. Mr. Kelly attended a while 



Public Schools No. 65 and 15; also the public night schools; he 
has taken a course of architecture, too, in the correspondence 
schools, and for a time was an attendant at Cooper Union. But 
his chief qualification for business is marked native ability, that 
combines with an untiring energy and youthful vigor. He takes 
a lively interest also in politics. He is a member of the Chippewa 
Tammany Club and vice-president of the Muggleston Associa- 
tion and belongs to the Thos. O'Neill Association ; also to the 
Van Nest Property Owners' Association, the Catholic Church of 
Van Nest and the Knights of Columbus. 

F. VINTON SMITH, President of the F. V. Smith Com- 
pany, wdio succeeded the old firm of Thilemann & Smith, was 
born on the corner of Thirteenth Street and Second Avenue, 
New York City, on September 14, 1862, and was educated 
at old Grammar School No. 40, on Twenty-third Street between 
Second and Third Avenues. He entered the contracting busi- 
ness, and has for several years been one of the most active in 
this line, among the largest concerns engaged in the business. 
As organizer and president of the F. V. Smith Contracting Co., 
he has opened more streets, and executed more public improve- 
ments in the Borough of the Bronx than any similar firm engaged 
in the business. He is popular with the municipal authorities 
and his large number of employees, and applies himself diligently 
to the supervision of his large business affairs. Mr. Smith is a 
sturdy Democrat in politics, but has never aspired to public 
office. Fie is a member of the Democratic Club of New York, 
the Harlem Club, the New York Athletic Club, and is an at- 
tendant of St. Andrew's Church, 127th Street and Fifth Avenue. 

JOHN JACOB REEr.EK. the original and during his life, 
the most famous second-hand building material operator in liar 
km, and throughout the Greater New York, was born in Ger- 
many in 1806. When he came to the LTnited States, he was 
thoroughly ef|nip])ed to meet the exigencies of a .stranger in a 
strange land. He had learned the carpenter trade in his native 
home, and after arriving here devoted his attention to this latter 
pursuit. .Struggling along in the early periods of forty years 
ago, Mr. Rcebcr applied himself carefully and vigorou.sly to his 
trade profession, and through his practical mechanical ideas 
and the proper e.xecution of his work, he gained the confidence 
of his emploj'ers. Prudent and economical in his methods of 
life, he finally concluded to enter business on his own account as 
a builder. From the start his enterprises were successful and 
continued so until 1870, when he conceived the grand idea of 
entering into a new feature of the city, namely, on account of 
the large demand for properties to be removed for larger and 
greater improvements, he saw the opportunity for purchasing 
and tearing down the old sites, storing the material taken there- 
from in what might be termed and is now known as a second- 
hand lumber yard, and offering for sale to builders, carpenters, 
contractors or the public at large, almost everything in the 
shape of second-hand building material. At the time he entered 
into this business, he took with him into partnership his son, 
John Jacob Reeber, Jr., who, in connection with his father, were 
the real and original founders of the second-hand building ma- 
terial business in the metropolis. Mr. Reeber had a very strik- 
ing personality. Flis physique was of the most robust character, 
his method of conducting business was systematic in all of its 
details, his habits were based upon the highest ideals of con- 
sistency, and were governed under his rule of christian discipline. 
His business methods were so well established and so unalter- 





JOHN JACOB REEEER 



JONAS WEIL 





"^^V »air> 




SIDNEY R. WALKER 



CHARLES ALBERT BERRIAN 



HISTORY.OF BRONX BOROUGH 



247 



ably impressed upon those with whom he had business trans- 
actions that his integrity was never questioned. A grand figure 
in the commercial interests of our metropoHs, he passed away 
quietly and peacefully, leaving behind him a heritage of honor 
and glory to his name and to the large and well known family, 
who still conduct the great business he founded in connection 
with his son John J., Jr., and who are to-day known and re- 
spected as among the first citizens of Manhattan and the Borough 
of the Bronx. Mr. Reeber was in politics a Democrat, but 
never aspirea to any public office ; he was a prominent member 
of St. John's Church at 30th Street and Seventh Avenue, and 
at his death left ten children who revere his memory, and are 
named as follows : Joseph, Frank, John, Jacob, George, and 
William Reeber; Elizabeth, Many, Lena, Louise and Katy Reeber. 
After his lamented death, the business was left to his two sons, 
George A., and William Reeber, who are at present conducting 
it upon the same plan and systematic government originated by 
tlieir father, and his son Jolm J., Jr., and upon which they have 
attained such success that the house of J. Reeber & Sons, stands 
at the head in front rank of second-hand building material of 
the Greater New York. 

JONAS WEIL, senior member of the real estate firm of 
Weil & Mayer, was born in Emmendinger, Baden, Germany, and 
came to this country in 1861. His father, Ephraim Weil, was 
highly respected in the community for his integrit)', religious 
fervor and straightforwardness. He gave his son a good educa- 
tion, inculcating in his mind the principles he practised. Backed 
by these and his own indomitable spirit, he started in connectiuu 
with other enterprises in the real estate line. As the business in- 
creased Mr. Weil was liberal in his donations to charity, so at 
■present it is an exception not to find his name in the list of some 
deserving charity in this city. In his contributions he makes no 
distinction — he gives to both, Jewish or Christian. Every year 
he sends to the Mayor of his native town, as well as to the 
president of the Jewish congregations, large sums of money, and 
engraved resolutions of thanks have been presented to him by 
the recipients of his benevolence. Emmendinger has conferred 
upon him the title of Honorary Citizen. In memory of his 
father he erected a synagogue in East Sixty-seventh Street, be- 
tween Third and Lexington Avenues, which bears his name. It 
is an edifice worthy -even of Greater New York. In lliis 
synagogue there is also a Hebrew free school with about 250 
pupils, many of whom are poor, but are well taken care of. He 
is the centre around whom the uptown. Jewish orthodox move- 
ments gravitate. Some time ago, with his brother, Samuel Weil, 
and his brother-in-law, Ferdinand Sulzberger, he contributed a 
considerable part of the money for the foundation of an orphan 
asylum in Baden. His highest ambition has been realized in 
the founding of Lebanon Hospital, to which he gave $10,000 in 
money, and donated the property, valued at $15,000, upon which 
the Training School for Nurses has been erected. This is re- 
garded as one of the finest of its kind, with all modern improve- 
ments and containing forty-five rooms and a large hall for lec- 
tures, etc. Aside from the above donations, Mr. Weil gives his 
undivided attention and energy to soliciting outside aid for the 
welfare and maintenance of this institution, of which he is the 
president. He is also president of the Zichren Ephraim Syna- 
gogue, of which his son-in-law, Rev. Dr. Benard Drachman, is 
the spiritual head. His home is in East Seventy-fifth Street, 
near Madison Avenue, and contains everything cultured taste 
and desire for real family life could require. Mr. Weil has two 
sons, Benjamin and Louis, who are bright business men, and 
are members of the firm of Weil & Mayer. 



SIDNEY R, WALKER real estate operator, of 743 East 
141st Street, is a life-long resident of the Bronx, and knows its 
property interests from "A to Izzard." He was born here Sep- 
tember 7, 1872. and was educated in the public schools and at 
City CoUe.^e. He is a Democrat and member of the Demo- 
cratic Club, the Borough Club and the Almirantis; also of the 
Brownson Catholic Club, and is at present a member and chairimn 
cf the Borough Board of Education. He married, September 
nS, 1897, Miss Agnes M. Kehoe. They have three children, Sid 
ney R., Jr., Joseph S. and .^gnes M. 

CHARLES ALBERT BERRIAN has been engaged in the 
real estate business in New- York City since 1870, and is espe- 
cially an expert on realty values in the 23d and 24th Wards — the 
Borough of the Bronx. He subdivided many of the old farms in 
this section, and disposed of them as building lots. During the 
past ten years he has been almost exclusively engaged in making 
appraisals of property values either for the city of New York or 
for private owners. His services to the city include the con- 
demnation of property for the Jerome Park Reservoir, as well as 
properties for the Grand Boulevard and Concourse, the famous 
avenue and driveway projected on a scale surpassing anything 
existing in any other city in the world. He has been a member 
of the Republican County Committee of New York County for 
several years, and frequently has been a delegate to county, city 
and State conventions. He was a member of the State Conven- 
tion which nominated Governor Morton, and of the City Con- 
vention which nominated Mayor Strong. He has held the office 
of LTnited States Custom House Auctioneer under President Har- 
rison's administration, and continues to hold it to the present 
time. He was for two years president of the Fordham Club, and 
is now chairman of its executive committee. He is also a mem- 
ber of the Republican Club of the City of New York and Union 
Republican Club of the Bronx ; the North Side Board of Trade, 
rnd the Auctioneers' Association of the City of New York; di- 
rector of the Bronx Borough Bank, and trustee of the recently 
organized Bronx Savings Bank, and secretary and treasurer of 
the Creston Company (real estate) ; member of the Masonic 
fraternity for thirty-five years. He was born in New York City. 
January 30, 1845, the son of the late Philip H. Berrian and 
Phebe, daughter of Captain John Marshall. His father, who was 
long engaged in the real estate business in New York City, was 
a resident of Fordham, as was his grandfather, Charles Berrian. 
The first of his ancestors to settle at Fordham, Nicholas Berrian, 
was one of the sons of Cornelius Berrian, who, in 1727, bought 
Berrian Island. He was the son, in turn, of John Berrian and 
Ruth Edsall, and grandson of Cornelius Jansen Berrian and 
Junnetie Stryker. The family is of French Huguenot anteced- 
ents, hailing from Berrien, Department of Finisterre, France. 
They were driven to Holland by religious persecution, and from 
the latter country Cornelius Jansen Berrian immigrated to New 
.Amsterdam, settling in Flatbush, L. I., as early as l66o. He was 
deacon and town official, and in 1683 commissioner to levy a 
special tax by appointment of the New York Colonial Assembly. 
Mr. Charles A. Berrian was educated in the public schools and at 
Farnham Preparatory Institute, Beverly. N. J. He became clerk 
in a banking house in New York City, and for several years was 
secretary of the Ashburton Coal Company. During the next 
three years he held the office of Deputy County Clerk of Suffolk 
County. New York. He was married, January 30, 1867, to Susan 
.Almy, daughter of Stephen C. Rogers, of Huntington, L. I., 
where the family had been seated for many generations. Mr. 
Rogers was for seventeen years Supervisor of his town, and for 
three years County Clerk of Suffolk County, New York. Mr. 
and Mrs. Berrian have two daughters, Maria Augusta, wife of 




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II 







MATTHEW ANDERSON 



WILLIAM G. WATT 





THOMAS GREENLEES 



WILLIAM GREENLEES 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



249 



James B. Sheldon, of Brooklyn, and Sarah Rogers, wife of VVil 
iiam B. Smith, of New York. 

WILLIAM SIMPSON, one of the most active contractors 
and builders in the Borough of the Bronx, was born in New 
York City, March, 1874, and was educated at the pubhc schools, 
and studied mechanical drawing at the Peter Cooper Institute, 
and arcliitecture at Munton's School of Architecture. In 1896, 
he commenced business for himself as a builder and general 
contractor; having been thoroughly trained for this character of 
work, he entered vigorously into it, and has been successful in all 
of his ventures and undertakings. He built the three-story, 
twenty-room frame house, 50x150, on Melrose and Belmont 
Avenues, a five-story Hat house at 164th Street and College Ave- 
nue, and a large store at 119th Street and Third Avenue, 50x90, 
two stories. In his general contracting business, he has aided 
largely in the development of the great Borough, and in the mean- 
time has always taken a deep interest in the advancement of all 
public improvements. An enterprising citizen, he has the con- 
fidence and respect of all with whom lie has had business rela- 
tions. Mr. Simpson was married in June, 1900, and has two 
children, Raymond and Wilhelmina Simpson. He is an active 
member of the Building Trades Employers' Association, and 
Gavel Lodge, F. A. M. 

MATTHEW ANDERSON.— Prominent among those in the 
Bronx who have been active in advancing the progress of the 
great district beyond the Harlem River, is Mr. Matthew Ander- 
son, widely known and held in much esteem for his high standard 
of integrity and strict business principles. Mr. Anderson was 
born in Belfast, Ireland, March I, 1841, coming to this country 
when a boy, and residing in New York and vicinity ever since. 
He was a pupil in the old Ninth Street public school, Manhat- 
tan, and at the age of fifteen years took up the leather business 
as a vocation with the firm of Thos. Scott & Sons, remaining 
with them until 1863, when he was twenty-two years of age. 
He then embarked in the oil business, and was connected with 
several large firms in the manufacture of refined oil, continuing 
in that line until 1870. That year he returned to the leather 
trade at Newark, N. J., following it up to 1875, when he moved 
back to New York and settled in the Bronx. From that time 
until 1883 he was engaged in several industrial pursuits, and in 
that year began in the real estate business, a line he has pursued 
very successfully ever since. He was one of the first to discern 
the great future of the Borough of the Bronx, and one of the 
first to take advantage of its growth and possibilities. He has 
devoted himself strictly to business, and has the management of 
several large estates, taking entire charge of properties, rents, and 
collects, negotiates loans on bond and mortgage, and is the regu- 
lar broker for a number of capitalists. Mr. Anderson has been 
a notary for the past eighteen years. He is a member of the 
Dutch Reformed Church, and in 1886 was an active member of 
the "Reformed Men's Temperance Union," also of the Reform 
Club, giving much of his valuable time to those organizations. 
He was one of the seven organizers of the "North Side Board of 
Trade," and has continued an executive officer of that body, 
and has always taken a deep interest in all its undertakings. He 
is also one of the organizers of the Association of Bronx Real 
Estate Brokers, and is its treasurer. Aside from the above or- 
ganizations, he is affiliated with other local movements. In 1891 
he was tendered the nomination for Alderman of the 23d Ward 
on the Prohibition ticket, but declined the honor. In 1893 he ran 
for Street Improvement Commissioner against Louis J. Heintz. 
He is an independent in politics. He was also vice-president of 



the Mott Haven Improvement Association, and through his 
energy, after a number of years, the Mott Haven Canal was 
closed. Mr. Anderson has been married twice; his first mar- 
riage was to Miss Fannie E. Wygant, in 1889. by whom he had 
no issue. The second was to Miss Louise E. Brintnall, in 1892. 
Four children were the offspring of this union, William B., 
Adrienne L. (deceased), Matthew A. and Robert E. 

WILLIAM G. WATT, real estate agent and insurance 
broker, with offices located at 106 East 125th Street, Manhattan, 
is a native of Newburgh, N. Y., and a graduate of the New York 
public schools. He has been a resident of this city for the past 
forty-five years, and has resided in the Bronx for twenty years. 
He is a Republican politically, and has always taken an active in- 
terest in politics. In IQ05 he received the nomination from the 
Republican and Citizens' Union for Alderman in the 38th Alder- 
manic District, Borough of the Bronx. Is a inember of the Re 
publican Club, and ha.s Iiecn identified with the organization for 
many years. He is also a member of the Mohawk Athletic Club, 
the leading athletic body of the Borough, and is a charter member 
of the Bronx Board of Real Estate Brokers. He is a widower 
without children. Mr. Watt was an instructor in the male de- 
partment New York Catholic Protectory — Industrial branch — 
some eighteen years. He is now superintendent and managei 
of the Suburban Land Improvement Company, and is largely 
interested in other Bronx property. He is also secretary of the 
Mount Morris Co-operative Building and Loan Association. Mr 
V/att, as the name indicates, is of Scotch descent, and very proud 
of it. He is the son of Archibald Watt, of Dalkeith. His 
mother, Mrs. Margaret Watt, has been one of the largest, most 
enterprising and most persistent buyers of borough property, and 
events have certainly justified her faith and judgment of it. 

THOMAS GREENLEES, building contractor, of the Bronx, 
located at Fourth Avenue and 219th Street, Williainsbridge, 
is a brother of Wm. Greenlees, of the same line. They were 
forinerly in partnership, but dissolved. Both have been emi- 
nently successful apart. Mr. Thomas Greenlees was born in 
Renfrewshire, Scotland, in 1854, and was sent to school in the 
parish of Lochwinnoch. He was apprenticed to carpentry in the 
old country, and landed here twenty-five years ago a finished 
mechanic. Not long after that we find him, with the connyness 
of his race, embarked in business on his own account ; result, 
prosperity as we have stated. Mr. Greenlees built the Mile Squair 
Reformed Lutheran Church at Yonkers in 1899; the Church 
of the Holy Family at Unionport in 1897; the First Presbyterian 
Church at Williamsbridge in 1904; the residence of Jos. Buehler, 
on Park Avenue, in 1902, and has constructed, in Williamsbridge 
and surroundings, over 300 residences and cottages. He is a 
Republican in politics, a member of the Presbyterian Church, 
and belongs to the Royal Arcanum and the Westchester Exempt 
Firemen's Association. On January 29, 1885, he married Miss 
Mary A. Crawford. They have five children living, three girls 
and two boys. 

WILLIAM GREENLEES, who, as a builder on an ex- 
tensive scale, has contributed much to the development of the 
Bronx, was born in Scotland forty-six years ago. He learned his 
trade there, mastering it, as required in the old country, to the 
minutest details- — even to cabinet-making, which is a separate 
branch of the business here entirely. He came to this country 
twenty years ago. and settled in the Bronx in 1889. At first he 
worked at the trade by the day. but when he moved to this 
Borough he formed a partnership with his brother, and, taking 




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ALBERT ROTHERMEL 



JOHN FLEMING 





PETER STEPHEN O HARA 



JOHN L. HARA 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



25t 



contracts in the Bronx, soon met with uncommon success. This 
partnership was dissolved in 1892, and each one going it alone, 
they have found the field ample for both. Our subject has found 
his specialty, one and two-family houses, a particularly profitable 
line. Mr. Greenlees lives in good style in the VVoodlavvn sec- 
tion of the borough. He is a member of the First Presbyterian 
Church there, and treasurer of its building fund. He belongs 
to Woodlawn Council, Royal Arcanum, and has been its treasurer 
ever since it started in 1902. He is also a member of the "Clan 
McKenzie." In politics he is an independent. He married, in 
1894, Miss Isabella Lawrence, a young lady of the Bronx. They 
have one child, a girl, Marion Isabella. In 1903 Mr. Greenlees, 
having attained what may be regarded a liberal measure of for- 
tune in his business, took, with his family, an extended tour 
through Europe, visiting, of course, the old home, and meeting 
there his brothers and sisters, while he, for his part, renewed old 
friendships and acquaintance, a pleasure, indeed, on both sides, 
after so long an absence. 

ALBERT ROTHERMEL, born in Yorkville January 29, 
1874, but a resident of the Bron.x for ten years past, has been 
cne of the leading architects and speculative builders of the 
borough. He attended Public School No. 37 as a boy, and took 
a High School course in architecture at Kaiserslantern and Karls- 
ruhe, Germany. He studied the building art also at the New- 
York Trade School and under several of the leading architects 
of New York City. Mr. Rothermel is also engaged in the hard- 
ware business, which, in fact, is his principal occupation, at 68t; 
and 688 East 149th Street, His place there is new and one of 
the most complete in this part of town. He makes a specialty 
of tools, cutlery, builders' and shelf hardware, and is building up 
a handsome trade. Mr. Rothermel belongs to the Schnorer and 
Bronx Clubs; the Arion Society; the Manhattan Club, and to 
the Lebanon Hospital Association. He enlisted in the ranks of 
the Bronx Borough Benedicts January 29, 1902, taking for bet- 
ter half on that occasion a lady of Chicago, Miss Tessie Wos- 
stick. This union has proven an exceptionally happy one. Two 
children, Albert and John, are the fruits of it. 

JOHN FLEMING, a well known contractor, was born in 
the County of Kerry, Ireland, 1856. At the age of 16 he emi- 
grated to this city full of ambition, pluck and energy, which 
he exercised to such an extent that in a few years he became one 
of the most successful contractors in the country. In the year 
1880 he formed a partnership with Mr. Charles A. Brown, under 
the firm name of the "Fleming-Brown Contracting Co." The 
operations of the firm were very extensive and profitable in 
the Bronx and in other parts of Manhattan Island. In 1903 
this partnership terminated, Mr. Fleming continuing the busi- 
ness with ofiices at 155 Broadway, where he is in touch with 
large corporations and financiers, who require important work 
to be done by an experienced contractor. Mr. Fleming married 
Margaret Tiernan, daughter of Francis Tiernan, a highly re- 
spected citizen of Long Island City. Two sons were born of 
this marriage, David, deceased, and John, who was born in 1886, 
resides with his father at the family residence, 1225 Lexington 
.\venue. New York City, Mrs. Fleming having died in 1898. In 
politics Mr. Fleming is a Democrat, a member of the Democratic 
Club; also a member of the General Committee of the 13th 
.\ssembly District, Tammany Hall, the .Mc;onr|uin Club, Chico- 
pee Club and various other organizations. 

ALBERT P. MESSINGER, one of the most noted real estate 
operators and owners in the Bronx, began in that line about 
fifteen years ago, and has meanwhile acquired some very fine 



properties. He lives in a style becoming his fortune, in one of 
the handsome homes on Palisade Place, Morris Heights, one of 
the most picturesque residence parts of the metropolis. Mr. Mes- 
singer was born in New York in 1842, and though now past 
three score, exhibits an appearance of health and strength that 
would be creditable to a man many years younger. This fact he 
ascribes to his early experience and training in athletics. He w;is 
once a celebrated gymnast, well known both in this country and 
Europe, but abandoned that line some thirty years or more ago, 
to take up a business calling. Mr. Messinger is a product of the 
New Y'ork public schools. He married Miss Dora Harf, of New 
York, in 1902, and has one child by a former wife, a daughter. 
He has been resident in the Bronx about three years. Though 
not specially active politically, he subscribed to Democratic prin- 
ciples and policies. 



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ALBERT P. MESSINGER 

JOHN L. O'HARA, real estate agent of the Bedford Park 
district of the Bronx, is one of the firm of O'Hara Bros., 
auctioneers and appraisers, and leading real estate men of that 
vicinity. They began five or six yeais ago there and have 
earned a great reputation as hustlers and experts. They give 
special attention to the district north of 177th Street, and not 
only to property interests there, but to the w^ell being of the 
whole section — to taxes, street improvements, rapid transit, 
schools, even to matters of amusement and charity. They make 
a specialty of handling real estate and real estate interests, as 
loans for instance, in the Bronx and Westchester. Mr. John 
L. O'Hara, junior in the firm, is 25 and unmarried. He was 
born in Manhattan, but came to the Bronx in early youth. He 
is a graduate of old Fordham School 64, and of the Evening High 
School at 125th Street, Harlem; also of Brooklyn Law School of 





JOHN F. GHEE 



BENJAMIN FRANKLIN MC QUAY 





MARTIN L. HENRY 



GEORGE PRICE 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



253 



St. Lawrence University, receiving his B./^., and Member of 
Bar; also of Fordham College, of whose alumni and Brooklyn 
Theta Phi fraternity he is a member. He is an active member 
of the Bedford Park Association and the Bronx Board of Real 
Estate Brokers, and Superintendent of Lectures for the Board 
of Education. He is a very busy, forceful and energetic young 
man, in short, \vhen Mr. J. L. O'Hara started in real estate 
business on the Southern Boulevard, near Webster Avenue, it was 
a one-story building and his determination was that he would 
either own or not own the 100x114 feet plot with three-story 
buildings on the same, and in which he has successfully captured 
his prize, overthrowing all obstacles. He then moved to 2971 
Webster Avenue and 200th Street, which is his main office, and 
Diie can always find his office open every day from 7 :30 a. m. to 
10 p. m. ; also on Sundays for accommodation to prospective 
investors. As well as local interests in the Bronx, he has an 
office in 51 Chambers Street and for the benefit of Manhattan 
c|)erators, which are extensive. He is heavily interested in insur- 
auce matters as well. One of his whole ambitions was to have "1: 
Bedford Park one of the largest up-to-date halls, for parties and 
assemblages of all descriptions and to be held under his watchful 
eye, so as to make it a grand success. This hall is centrally- 
located on the south side of 200th Street and Webster Avenue 
Bedford Park. His main forethought was how can the public 
reach the same from Manhattan, Bronx or Westchester County ; 
for instance, from Manhattan by either subway to I4gth Street 
and Third Avenue Elevated to Bronx Park in thirty-five min- 
utes; also from Yonkers by trolley in thirly-five minutes and 
Mount Vernon or New Rochelle in thirty minutes, being a])le 
to accommodate a friend from Yonkers to meet at his hall, and 
a friend from Manhattan, having equal time for both to come 
and go to their homes. This hall will accommodate 1,500 people. 

PETER STEPHEN O'HARA is the senior member of thc- 
firm of O'Hara Bros., live and busy real estate men of Bedford 
.Park and vicinity. He is a lawyer, also, chiefly engaged in real 
estate practice. He is a graduate of Fordham Public School No. 
64, of the Evening High School in Harlem, and of St. John's 
College, a member of the Fordham Club, Taxpayers' Alliance and 
the Bedford Park Taxpayers, the Bronx Real Estate Brokers' 
.Association, and Fordham College Alumni and member of Nortli 
Side Board of Trade. He is 30 years old, a native of Man- 
hattan, but a resident of the Bronx from boyhood, and is un- 
married. He is a Democrat in politics, a member of the Jeffer- 
son Club and of the Tammany Hall General Committee. His 
firm has made a great success of their business. They are ap- 
praisers and auctioneers and general sales and rental agents and 
brokers, handling acreage in Westchester and tracts, improved 
and unimproved, anywhere in the Bronx, though their business 
is chiefly in the district north of Tremont. They have the man- 
agement of more than twenty estates, embracing interests of $1,- 
500,000 or more, most of it income property. They are modern 
and progressive and, realizing the influence of improvements on 
real estate values, are agitators steadily for schools, fire houses, 
street opening, rapid transit, public pleasure grounds and all that. 
They have been foremost, in fact, in the development of their 
part of the city. They have two offices, a real estate and law 
office at 51 Chambers Street, Manhattan, established in 1894; an 
office at Webster Avenue and 200th Street, north of the elevated 
station. 

CHARLES B. COULTER, one of the most prominent 
lawyers and real estate agents of the Bronx, and the son of 
the laic Alexander il. Coulter, a well known and highly respected 



Litizen, and Lvdia A. Coulter, a lady of high social standing, 
was born in New York City on March 23, 1863. He was edu- 
cated in the public schools of New York City and also by pri- 
vate tutors. Having been properly prepared, he entered the 
New York University Law School, where he graduated with 
honors and immediately thereafter commenced the practice of 
law, which he has successfully conducted and up to this period 
has been identified with a large number of important legal and 
ital estate litigations, in which he has been remarkably success- 
ful. Always a close and industrious student, watchful and 
zealous of his clients' interests, with a keen, calculating and pene- 
trating mind, lucid, descriptive and characteristically eloquent in 
his pleadings, or briefs before the courts, he has secured the 
confidence of the judiciary and his fellow members of the bar. 
As a real estate lawyer and active agent for the sale and ex- 
change of properties ho stands pre-einineiil aniDUg his colleagues 




CHARLES E. COULTER 

and his large clientage tor his thorough legal acumen, his devo- 
tion to his clients and his uprightness, strict integrity and his 
great success in estalilishing the justice of his cause. Mr. 
Coulter is personally identified with the management and de- 
velopment of the widely known Arthur Manor home site tract, 
located at Scarsdale, Westchester County. Investors who pur- 
chase real estate from him have the advantage of his legal 
attainments, which is of great advantage to them. He is by blood 
related to the well known Ferris, Lent and Seymour families of 
the upper Bronx and Westchester County, who have always 
taken rank as among the leading families of Westchester. Mr. 
Coulter has no affiliations with political societies or organiza- 
tions, and has never aspired to political favors, having devoted 
his whole life since his graduation to his legal and real estate 
affairs, which he has conducted so successfully. He has a strong 



254 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



and striking personality, is genial and courteous in his manners, 
vigorous and eloquent in his pleadings, legal and correct in his 
diagnosis, a lawyer of unquestioned ability and an ornament to 
his profession. Mr. Coulter maintains offices both in the Bronx 
and Manhattan. 

MARTIN L. HENRY, one of the most active and success- 
ful real estate operators of the Bronx, who came to New York 
City twenty-seven years ago with a capital of $250, has residcu 
in this borough for the past twelve years; his capital when he 
removed here was about $1,000. He is now rated worth up- 
wards of $100,000, and has an exceedingly handsome business at 
1948 Bathgate Avenue, in which vicinity he operates largely. 
Mr. Henry was born at Henryville, Monroe County, Pa., and 
is an example of the self-made man. His career illustrates also 
the success of the country boy in town. He attended the public 
schools where he was born, the usual four months' country term 
a year, and discontinued attendance at eighteen; yet he was 
able to pass the examinations held by the county superintendent, 
and taught the winter terms in Monroe County until he was 
twenty-six. Then he came to New York and was employed by 
the Second Avenue Railroad for two years ; then was appointed 
to the postal service, and has remained in it, despite his large out- 
side interests, to this day, a matter of some twenty-five years. 
Mr. Henry is a Republican, a man of family, and identified with 
the Baptist Church. In the year 1880 Mr. Henry married Miss 
Mary E. Keller, of Mountain Home, Pa., who died in 1886 after 
a brief illness, being survived by two daughters. Katie E. and 
Laura F. On July 24. 1888, he married Miss Mary Catherine 
Long, of Priceburg, Monroe County, Pa., and daughter of the 
late Captain Long of that State. The union has been blessed 
with one son, Martin S. S. Long Henry, who is in his fifteenth 
year. 

GEORGE PRICE, real estate agent, auctioneer, broker and 
appraiser, of 728 East l.^Sth Street, was born in Birmingham. 
England, December 29, i860, but was brought up and attended 
school in New York City. He was a pupil as a boy of Granmiar 
School No. l~, at East Eighty-seventh Street and Fourth Avenue. 
He has been living in the borough and successfully engaged in 
business here about twelve years. Mr. Price has long been an 
active man in the Republican party. He was the first secretary 
and one of the organizers of the Hell Gate Republican Club. He 
has been in the postal service and has had also considerable 
journalistic experience. He was publisher of the New York 
"Leader," and for nearly two years edited the salt water depart- 
ment of the "Amateur Sportsman," under the nom de flume 
"Salt Water." He is a member of the North Side Board of 
Trade, the Association of Bronx Real Estate Brokers, and the 
Auctioneers' Association, and is a director of the North New 
York Cooperative Building & Loan Association. Also vestry- 
man of St. Ann's P. E. Church, director of the General Church 
Club of the Bronx, organizer and president for four years of the 
Men's Club of St. Ann's Church and past president of Ivy 
Lodge, Sons of St. George. Mr. Price married July i, 1886, 
Miss Josephine Bond. They have four children, two girls and 
two boys. 

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN McQUAY, real estate agent and 
manager of estates, located in the Smith Building, 148th Street 
and Third Avenue, was born at Connicville, Va., July 25, 1873. 
He was educated at the public school of his native place and 
after graduating, entered mercantile life in Harrisonburg, Va. 
Ten years ago he came to this city, located in the Bronx and 
chose real estate as his future profession. During this period 



he has managed a great number of important transactions for 
realty owners of Bronx and other properties, and has acted as 
manager of a large number of important estates. He is in active 
touch with a majority of the most influential property owners 
and enjoys the distinction of having one of the most active real 
estate offices in the Bronx. On March 2, 1901, Mr. McQuay 
married Miss Grace Bleecker Bache. of New York City. He is 
a member of the German Reformed Church, Rockingham Union 
No. 27, F. and A. M., Knights of Pythias, Knights of Honor, also 
member of the North Side Board of Trade. Mr. McQuay was 
one of the original promoters of the Association of Bronx Real 
Estate Brokers and served as temporary chairman of that body. 
On December 20, 1904, the association was permanently organized 
and Mr. McQuay was unanimously elected secretary and chair- 
man of ways and means committee. 

JOHN F. GHEE, one of tlie must active and prosperous 
contractors at Westchester, was born at Bronxdale, Westchester, 
N. Y., November 20, 1864, and was educated there. Entering into 
business life he chose the contracting as his future profession, 
and through his more than ordinary natural talents, has made 
hnnself a reputation of the highest order, for his genial quali- 
ties, his practical knowledge of the business, and the absolute 
performance of his agreements with his large and influential 
clientage. He is the largest and most active dealer of West- 
chester and vicinity in broken stone, building stone, ashes and 
sand, which he supplies to purchasers in any quantity and per- 
forms his agreements in a satisfactory manner to all wlioni 
may be concerned. Mr. Ghee is a gentleman of very strikmg 
personality and being a native to the manor born of Westchester 
he occcpies a position of high standing in his community and 
ranks as one of its first and most enterprising citizens. On 
September 16, 1885, Mr. Ghee married Carrie B. Rogers, 
an estimable and refined lady, the daughter of Abraham and 
-Mary B. Rogers. The result of this happy uiiiim was two 
children, Ethel M. and George N. Ghee, both of whom are 
living. The son of George B. and Eleanor Ghee, John F. Ghee, 
was raised and educated by his parents up to that high stand- 
ard of moral worth that prevailed so universally among the 
older citizens of Westchester County years ago. He is a mem- 
ber of the Methodist Church, the Masonic Order, Wyoming 
Lodge, 492, F. & K. M., Westchester, the Chester Hill 1. O. O. F.. 
the Royal Arcanum, the Chippewa and the Merry Five Clubs. 
In politics he is a Democrat, but never aspired to political 
honors. He is essentially domestic in his habits and although 
one of the busiest contractors in Westchester, spends his 
leisure hours at his home on Poplar Street, Westchester, which 
is one of the most attractive properties in the old village, where 
he enjoys the society of his worthy and happy family. 

AUGUST HOEBERMANN is one of the successful mason- 
builders of this borough. During the past eight years he has been 
a ])rominent figure in the building boom which has made the 
Bronx the cynosure of the United States. He has been largely 
identified with the construction of many of the noted structures 
of the borough, which bear evidence of conscientious construc- 
tion. Mr. Hoebeririann was liorn in New York City in 1859, but his 
youth and part of his early manhood were spent in Germany, 
where he was educated. He returned to this country at the age of 
twenty-two years, and at once entered into building on his own 
account. On March I, 1896, he married Miss Sophie Meyer, and 
from this union has resulted five children. Charles, Caroline. 
Louis, Elizabeth, and August. Jr. Notwithstanding his activity 
in building operations, Mr. Hoeliennann, like a good citizen, has 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



255 



found time to keep in loucli with pnlilic mntters and has played 
a conspicuous part in political affairs, and everything that would 
tend to the development of the borough has secured his hearty 
cooperation. In municipal matters he has been largely identified 
with every movement that had as its object in view purity in of- 
ficial management, and has made many sacrifices in the effort to 
obtain that desired end. In everything which he has undertaken 
be has shown a zeal that is liighly commendable. 

THE AMERICAN REAL ESTATE CO.— It requires 
imagination to handle real estate successfully as well as to wri'e 
stories, paint pictures or carve statues. The mind of the suc- 
cessful operator must not only knovi' the past and master the 
present, but it must also be capable of projection into the future. 
It must deal not only with the realities of to-day, but with the 
possibilities of to-morrow; it must not only consider those 
things which are seen, but must weigh and measure the vaster 
potentialities of those things which are not seen. Si.K years ago 
far-seeing eyes in the management of the American Real Estate 
Company, the oldest and one of the most successful real estate 



chase of land along the route of the new line, made even before 
the awarding of the contracts for construction. To-day with 
the new road , in full operation, with the ever increasing de- 
mand for room by the rapidly growing population sweeping to 
the northward and crowding upon it, the convincing tribute of tre- 
mendously increased value is paid to the quality of imagination 
in real estate operation. There is much of sentiment as well as 
banjkable value covering these two old estates, so soon to be 
swallowed up in the great city's relentless onward march. On 
these rolling hills and tree covered slopes the Indian tribes 
found favorite abiding place when the first white men raised 
the flag of New Amsterdam on the lower end of Manhattan Is- 
land, and by the chiefs of these friendly tribes the original 
deeds to the first owners were signed. There were many more 
years of peace for this beautiful, untamed wilderness, broken 
(inly by the lapping of the waves on the keel of a canoe in the 
placid Bronx or the reverberations of a musket shot through 
ihe great trees as some hunter sought his prey. Then came 
another day, the day of the new republic and its eager activi- 
ties, of the growth of a great city on Manhattan Island and of 




Two-family Houses under Construction by the American Real Estate Company, on Faile Street, in the Hoc Tract 



corporations in New York, found virgin soil for investment in 
the Hoe and Simpson estates, a tract of eighty-six acres on the 
south side of Westchester Avenue, the one east and the other 
west of Southern Boulevard, extending eastward to the Bronx 
River. The on rushing tides of population from the south 
were yet far from its boundaries. Transportation facilities 
were slow and inadequate, but the Rapid Transit Commissioners 
of New York were slowly bringing into finished form the stu- 
pendous plan of the great Subway, with an elevated branch 
bisecting the Borough of the Bronx and skirting these two 
estates along Westchester Avenue. 'I'he moment was at hand 
for the seeing eye and thinking mind to master the logic of the 
situation. First, the Subway must be built. Second, it must 
naturally be near to these properties. Third, rapid transit from 
these properties must vastly increase their value. It all seems 
simple enough now, and in the light of the events of the past 
year the marvel is that more real estate operators did not see 
or solve this plain equation. Yet this was the only notable pur- 



busy, struggling pioneers in the great business growth of the 
new nation seeking respite from its storm and stress in the 
peace and beauty of untouched Nature. Here, among others, 
came Richard Hoe, and out of his printing press fortune he 
built for himself a spacious mansion and surrounded it with a 
magnificent country estate. From the upper windows of his 
splendid home the owner could look across acres of hilly wood- 
land and grass-grown valley, up and down the winding Bronx, 
out to the great Sound and the populous islands at the South. 
For many years this hospitable home was a center of social 
life and interest and the picturesque estate, beautiful as God 
had made it, became even more attractive under the arts of 
man. Around it were other great tnanorial estates, the ele- 
gant country homes of the new-rich New Yorkers. Tbough 
soon to be but a thirty minutes' run over the Subway to the 
City Hall, the journey of the country gentleman from home 
lo office was a matter of hours in those early days. By carriage 
or coach the trip was made across what is now the Borough 





SAMUEL MATTHEW PIPER 



E. B. CONNELL 





NATHAN F. VOUGHT 



HENRY H. VOUGHT 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



257 



of the Bronx to the village of Mott Haven on the Harlem River, 
where a peripatetic steamer bore him to the dock at the foot 
of Wall street. Then came the steam cars, and the skirmish 
line of the great army of people marshalled for the day's work 
in the busy city below ; and the exclusive country gentleman 
sought regions more remote where the on-rush of men and 
things of the work-a-day world could not crowd or disturb 
him. To-day these once attractive acres are living in another 
of their seven ages. The great trees which were once their 
pride and crowning glory have been felled ; the whole surface 
of the rolling land stripped. Paved streets, sewers, water and 
gas mains have cut and scarred its once fair face, and the 
naked, unadorned rocks stare back at the spectator. The 
transition from suburban to urban property has come. As sub- 
divided, tliere are now in this tract about i.ooo building lots, 
in the direct line of building improvements and in the center 
of the greatest trading activity the real estate market has 
known in years. When one considers that the purchase price 
of this property by the American Real Estate Company in 1899 
was appro.\imately $1,000,000, and then figures on lot values 
to-day in this vicinity, he can appreciate the value of that 
glimpse behind the curtain six years ago to the expert operators 
who direct this company. Within thirty days' time between 
this purchase and the signing of the contract for the Subway 
the character and value of this entire tract changed from coun- 
try to city property. To-day this region is especially favored 
from a transit standpoint. In addition to the Subway, there are 
two well equipped surface lines on Westchester Avenue and 
Southern Boulevard, and the rapid transit branch of the New 
York, New Haven ur Hartford Railroad skirts the American 
Real Estate Company's holdings on the east and south, with 
a station at Hunt's Point, close at hand. This road is now be- 
ing rebuilt to a six-track line, with four tracks to be devoted 
to electric rapid transit. The physical features of this large 
tract make it an ideal location for residences and apartment 
bouses. It is situated on an elevation above the Bronx River, 
thus protected from the intrusion of such business as the river 
may bring, and favored with excellent sanitary conditions as 
well as attractive surroundings. What the next stage in its 
history is to be, the unagination can more easily conceive. 
Here will rise block after block of great apartment houses, some 
of them with stores on the street floor, long rows of five-story 
Hat buildings, two-famiiy houses and doubtless many private 
residences. Already the marvelously growing population of the 
great city— 200,000 a year — is crowding about its border eager 
for adiTiission. The operator and the engineer have done their 
work. Now comes the builder, then the tenant ; and every sug- 
gestion of the forest primeval, the Indian's haunts, the pioneer's 
trail, the suburban home will he l)uried under monuments of 
masonry, and all the memories and traditions of other, shall we 
say better, days, lost in the madding crowd. 

SAMUEL MATTHEW PIPER, president O'Connell-Piper 
Co., the most prominent contractors in marble and tiling at 
present in the Borough of the Bronx, was born at Quincy, Illi- 
nois, March 26, 1866, and after finishing at the public school at 
Charleston, Illinois, he was sent to the famous De Pauw Uni- 
versity at Greencastle, Indiana, where he graduated with honors. 
Leaving the University, he entered into the wholesale lumber 
business at St. Louis and acted as purchasing agent, travelling 
all over the pineries of the Great Northwest and the Southern 
States, meeting with unprecedented success in all of his larger 
transactions. He then concluded to establish himself in business 



on his own account, and purchased a cotifin manufactory for $50,- 
000, paying down $1,000 m cash, and assuming the payment of 
the balance, which he accomplished through his practical busi- 
ness methods, his enterprise and indefatigable energy. In 1898 
Mr. Piper organized the Piper Carriage Co. of St. Louis, in 
which they were specialty builders of surreys and spring wagons, 
and for a few years met with extraordinary success, having a 
large demand for his vehicles throughout the entire South and 
West ; so firmly was his company intrenched and so general 
was the demand for their goods that a number of gentlemen 
formed a syndicate, to whom the Piper Co. sold out their ex- 
tensive plant to the above. In the spring of 1904 Mr. Piper came 
to New York City and immediately formed the present co- 
partnership with Mr. E. B. O'Connell, who for the past thirteen 
years has been identified with the marble and tile business in the 
Bronx. Immediately Mr. Piper made his strong personality 
and business push felt. The marble works were entirely recon- 
structed, an additional store building was erected, and machinery 
of the best and most modern manufacture was set up in the new 
building, and every other convenience necessary for shaping and 
finishing of marble was added to the plant, which places it in 
the front rank and at the head of this character of industry in 
the Bronx. These improvements permit his firm to take con- 
tracts for all kinds of interior marble work, as well as slate, tiling 
and mosaic. At present Mr. Piper has contracts for furnishing 
with marble and tiling many of the most important buildings in 
the City of New York. In politics Mr. Piper is a Republican ; 
is a member of the Presbyterian Church and of Tuscan Lodge, 
No. 369, F. and A. M., of St. Louis, Mo. He was married Janu- 
ary 17, 1894, to Miss Ruby Shotwell, a highly cultivated lady, 
of St. Louis, Mo., and has two children, James and George, 
both living. Through Mr. Piper's advent into the Bronx the 
great and growing borough has received one of the most pro- 
gressive and enterprising men of the present day. 

NATH.^N F. VOLIGHT, architect and Iniilder, and a mem- 
ber of the firm of Voughl Brothers, whose fine suite of offices are 
located at No. 112 West Forty-second Street, New York City, 
was born Noveniljer 28, 1858, at Cornwall-on-Hudson. His 
education received its foundation in the public schools of his 
place of nativity, graduating from the high school. In 1874 he 
took up the study of architecture, as well as that of law. For 
the past eighteen years Mr. Vought has been a resident of Bronx 
Borough. In 1891 the present firm Vought Brothers, builders 
and architects, established a large mill in the Bronx, a plant 
which they still own and operate. For many years the firm 
have been active in buying and selling real estate throughout the 
Boroughs of Manhattan and Bronx and with each succeeding 
year their business has enjoyed a steady increase. Their build- 
ing operations have been extensive, among some of the more im- 
portant recent structures are the new French Hospital in West 
Thirty-fourth Street; Miss Osborne's new building, Nos. 24 and 
26 East Forty-sixth Street ; Schinasi Brothers' handsome stables 
in West looth Street; Mr. Middleton Burrow's mansion at 36 
East Thirty-eighth Street ; Mr. Payne Whitney's country house 
at Manhassett, L. I. : Mr. Winthrop Rutherford's house at 
Allamnchcy, N. J. ; Ralph Preston's home at Jericho, L. I. ; 
Arnold B. Hewes' residence at No. 26 West Seventy-second 
Street, and many others of a similar class. The firm have made 
many influential friends, and stand at the pinnacle in their 
profession. They are progressive and public spirited and have 
always been foremost in adopting new and modern ideas in 
everything connected with architecture and building. Mr. 
Vought, the subject of this sketch, is a member of the Building 





CHARLES WAKEFIELD TARBOX 



MICHAEL VARIAN 





WILLIAM HONAN KEATING 



MARTIN WALTER 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



259 



Trades' Club, United Republican Club, Parish Club and Congre- 
gational Club. In politics he is an Independent Republican. He 
has never sought or held any political office. "Frank" Vought, 
the name he is generally known by, has been a devotee to ath- 
letic sports, the same as his brother, and has won laurels as an 
amateur oarsman and has some thirty or forty medalions emble- 
matic of his ability as a sprinter. Being an active and sharp 
business man and having studied law, he has been sought after 
by his political friends, who are unable to induce him to accept 
nomination. On October 26, 1886, he married Miss Nellie Lee- 
ming; three children, all living have blessed the union. The 
children are Margaret, aged 18 years: Emma E., aged 13 years, 
and Florence, aged 5 years. Margaret and Emma are pupils 
of the Normal College. 

HENRY H. VOUGHT, senior member of the well known 
firm of Vought Brothers, architects and builders, was Ixirn at 
Cornwall-on-Hudson, July 19, 1853, where he attended the pub- 
lic schools, and graduated from the high school. After com- 
pleting his higher school studies Mr. Vought took up the study 
of architectural building, a profession in which he excels. In 
1891 with his brother, Nathan, he embarked in business under 
the firm name of Vought Brothers, architects and builders. The 
high reputation the firm have made is by no means of a local 
character. Their name and fame has spread to all parts of the 
country, especially among a clientele who go in for the erection 
of splendid town and country houses. He is an ardent sports- 
man and an excellent marksman and takes a deep interest in all 
sports of an athletic nature. He has an enviable record as an 
amateur wrestler, but like all successful business men he was 
compelled to "sacrifice his talent to his art." Mr. Vought is a 
member of the Building Trades' Club and of the Red Men. He 
was married October 21, 1882, to Miss Mary A. Brown. Six 
children, Henry H., Jr., Franklin Douglas, Chancey De Witt. 
May, Ethel and Sheldon, have been born, all of whom are living 
Mr. Vought has resided in Bronx Borough since 1889. 

LOUIS FALK, architect, of 2785 Third Avenue, was born in 
this city and has lived in it fifty-five years. He went to school 
here, too, at the old public school at i6gth Street and Third Ave- 
nue. He began business in his profession as far back as 1S59, 
and can point to many substantial buildings that were planned 
by him, all over the borough, more particularly in the neighbor- 
hood where he has been so long established. Fordham, too, 
affords not a few specimens of superior work designed by him. 
Mr. Falk is Past Master of Wieland Lodge, F. & A. M., and 
Past Grand of Goethe Lodge, I. O. O. F. He has been treasurer 
of the latter for the past twenty-six years. He is an Exempt 
Fireman, a Democrat and a member of the Catholic faith. He 
married, April 22, 1861, Miss Margaret Koenig. One child of 
theirs, a daughter. Margaret F., is living. 

MARTIN WALTER, born in New York City November 2, 
1856, is the son of Martin Walter and Elizabeth Rich, daughter 
of Martin Rich, of Wurtenburg, Germany. His father and grand- 
father were born in Guetzenbrigk. ."Msace, of an old family of 
soldiers. Mr. 'Walter was brought to this country by his mother 
when two years of age, and resided in New York City, until his 
death. The son passed through Grammar School No. 63, of 
the Twelfth Ward, and then entered the grocery business in 
the Harlem store of Paulsen & Bamman. This was in 1874. 
After remaining in the store as a clerk for six years he entered 
into an equal partnership with Mr. Paulsen in a branch store 
which was established at Tremont. The firm name was origi- 



nally Jacob F. Paulsen & Company, but was subsequently chang- 
ed to Paulsen & Walter. The entire business connected with 
this store was under the exclusive management of Mr. Walter. 
The firm also speculated heavily in real estate on the North 
Side, and were very successful. They were the first to lay out 
lots at Mount Hope, taking as their first piece some sixteen acres 
of farm land,, on which vegetables had been raised for market 
at time of purchase. In twelve months time this entire tract had 
been disposed of. Other pieces of land were bought, attended 
by the same success. Mr. Walter subsequently sold out his in- 
terest in the grocery business and he has since been engaged 
exclusively in real estate enterprises. He has been very successful, 
lie is exceedingly popular, and is known for his enthusiastic 
advocacy of measures looking to public improvements. He is 
a member of the E.xecutive Committee of the North Side Board 
of Trade, and takes great interest in its affairs. He is also a 
member of the Taxpayers' Alliance, as well as of several fra- 
ternal organizations, is a member of Guiding Star Lodge, No. 
5&5, F. and A. M., and is a thirty-second degree Mason, and a 
member of Mecca Femple. C)dd Fellows, Royal .•\rcanum anH 
.■\ncient Order of LInited Workmen, and a director of the Tre- 
mont Building & Loan Association since its institution, and was 
formerly a director of the Bronx Borough Bank, but is now 
connected with the Tremont Branch of the Hamilton Bank, lo- 
cated on Tremont Avenue in an office building which he erected 
in 1903, and was the first office building in this locality. A Re- 
liublican in national politics, he is known as an advocate of 
home rule in local affairs, and gives the Democratic municipal 
administration the credit of being the best government under 
which any cosmopolitan city can thrive and be of the most good 
and benefit to its community, advocating, however, that integrity 
.md justice should govern the populace and not any party. He 
lias long maintained that Port Morris must eventually become 
the shipping center of Manhattan Island, basing this opinion upon 
the gradual movement of these interests northward and the lack 
of proper facilities at any point further south, as well as upon 
the advantages afforded by the short connection between the 
Hudson and the Sound. On June 18, i8gi, Mr. Walter wa; 
married to Elizabeth, daughter of John Nergenah, a large stock 
raiser of Chapin, 111. They have one daughter and a son. 

THE VARIANS. — The name of Variau in this country 
outdates the Constitution, for it is nearly two centuries since its 
first appearance. Isaac Variau, the founder of the family in the 
United States, was a butcher at New York City in 1720, and for 
how long before that date he had been a resident on this side 
of the Atlantic is not known. His close friendship with the 
Dutch settlers of the Colony of New York and his marrying the 
daughter of Daniel DeVoe, leads his decendants to believe that 
he came from Holland, although the name appears to be of 
I'rench origin. The Varian homestead stood for many years 
at Twenty-sixth Street and Broadway. Here were born the six 
children that established the name of Varian in the historical, 
political, social and business life of the city and state. The 
youngest son, named after his father, Isaac, purchased in 1792 
from the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church a farm of over 260 
acres, paying about $7,500. It was located at what is now Wil- 
liamsbridge, Bronx Borough, extending from the Bronx River 
westward over the heights across what is now Jerome Avenue, 
and the New Reservoir. The old homestead, which was on the 
farm at that time, is still standing on its original site, overlook- 
ing Mosholu Parkway, which was built through the valley and 
woodland of the estate .some years ago and is still being im- 
proved. This old house became the home of the second Isaac 
Varian shortly after his purchase, and here he raised a large 





AUGUST HOEBERMANN 



WM. T. HAVEY 




GEORGE J. MCCAFFREY 




LOUIS FALK 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



26J 



I'amily, from which most of Uk- Westchester County and Bronx 
V'arians trace their ancestry. Michael Varian, whose portrait 
we puhhsh, was one of his sons, and the one who was fortunate 
inoiigh to secure the old homestead and part of the old farm by 
purchase from the heirs in 1829. Michael Varian was born in 
November, 1808. His mother was Jane Betts. Upon the death 
of his father, when he was a boy of twelve, he went to New 
York, and was employed with Gilbert Coutant in the grocery 
business until his return at the age of 21, when he secured the 
nld farm. From that date until of recent years he devoted him- 
self to farming. He married Martha, daughter of Jesse Huestis. 
He died at the old homestead in April, 1893, at the age of 85, 
leaving a daughter Mrs. Martha Archer, and three sons, Michael, 
Isaac and Jesse H. Varian, all now living except Mrs. Archer, who 
died in 1901. llis grandchildren numbered eight, five of whom 
( Emma, Wilbur, Harris, Lulu and Chester) were born at the old 
homestead, making the fourth generation to reside there. Edger- 
ion, Pcrser and LeRo}' were not so sentimentally fortunate. Of 
ilie grandchildren, the most foremost at the time of this writins; 
is Wilbur L.. who. by his activity in real estate operations in the 
Bedford Park section nf the liorougli is keeping the name of 
his paternal founders of that section i)rominently before the 
|iublic eye, and views with pride the development of the acres 
lliat have descended from generation to generation. 




WM. A. HUNTRESS 

WM. .\. IIL'NTRESS. — Im-oiu long residence, and a con- 
nection formerly with the police force, Mr. Huntress is one of 
ji the best-known men in these parts. He was born in the Eleventh 

I Ward, New York City, on Christmas Day, 1851. He is of old 

II Bronx stock; his ancestors once owned extensive tracts of land 
' hereabouts which was acquired from the Indian*. Thtse lands, 
i however, have long since passed out of the possession of the 

family, though the record of them and traditions concerning 



liiem still exists. Our subject was educated in the old publ'c 
school at Fifth and Stanton Streets, away down town. At four- 
teen he was apprenticed, as an orphan, to the ship-caulking trade. 
Uurin.g the Civil War, though still only a youth, he enlisted and 
served with the 40th New York Volunteers all through the last 
campaign of that war. Returning home in 1865, he secured em- 
ployment on the Third Avenue Railroad, on which he was con- 
ductor later for about ten years. In 1882 he resigned his place 
and went on the police force. He served twenty-one years and 
was then retired. He was Wardman during this term of service 
for many years. After his retirement he spent some time in 
travel over the United States : then, in October, 1903, he opened 
up in his present line — the real estate business — of which he has 
made a pronounced success. He has been always an independent 
in politics, and has held aloof from political and social organiza- 
tions, his preference being for home life. Fie married, July 10, 
18S2, Miss .^nnic A. Cooper. Their union, though childless, has 
been a very happy one. 

WILLIAM I-IONAN KEA'IING, one of the notables of the 
WiUiamsbndge section of the Bronx, is also a prominent figure 
in the wholesale grocery district of -.ew \ ork. He was born at 
h-ilrush, County Clare, Ireland, September 27, 1858, and was edu- 
cated in the national schools and uy the Christian Brothers of the 
Emerald Isle. He came to tliis county in 1880 and was at first 
employed by the house of Acker, Merrall & Condit, long leaders 
of their line. Later he took up the commission sales business 
and has since been identified with another big house of the trade, 
the house of Austin, Nichols ijt Co. Sixteen years ago, when he 
moved to VVillianisbridge, it was a village on the border of New 
\ork. He identified himself with its government, with special 
attention to its finances and improvement, and shortly became 
one of its most influential residents. Many betterments there 
in the shape of grading, drainage, etc., were inaugurated by him 
and his associates in the local or town government prior to the 
annexation of the place by New iork. He was a member of 
the board which gave the Union Railroad its franchise with a 
clause for a five-cent fare, a proviso, at that time, of special 
importance to the residents thereabouts. His interest in the 
schools had recognition also at the hands of Mayor Strong, who 
appointed him School Inspector of the Thirty-fifth District after 
annexation. Mr. Keating, of course, holds Williamsbridge the 
ideal place to live in, and has exemplified his faith in it by in- 
vesting heavily himself. In Williamsbridge and Wakefield his 
appraisals are in demand by investors and financial institutions. 
He signified his judgment' and independence also in the rental of 
his properties by giving the preference to families with children 
wherever he can. Politically Mr. Keating is usually a Democrat. 
He is pronounced for tariff reform and municipal ownership. 
He is a member of numerous organizations, social, fraternal and 
religious, among others the Knights of Columbus, Royal Arcanum, 
A. O. U. W., Red Men, Emerald Association of the Bronx, Irish 
Club of New York and St. Mary's R. C. Church. He belongs also 
to the Williamsbridge Improvement League, Taxpayers' Alliance 
and North Side Board of Trade, and he is a airector of the North 
Side Savings Bank. He married Miss Agnes Kennedy in 1881. 
He is an accomplished musician, frequently performing on the 
piano in public for charity's sweet sake. They have been blest 
with ten children, seven of whom are living, three sons and fo ir 
daughters. It is Mr. Keating's rule to have them attend at first 
the local public school and then send them for the higher branches 
to nearby academies and colleges. His eldest son is a graduate 
of Fordham University and two others are students there now. 
His daughters attend the Ursuline Academy and St. Angela's 
College at New Rochelle. A feature of his real estate develop- 



262 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



ment is a business block on Wbite Plains Avenue, between 22^\h 
and 226th Streets, comprising fourteen stores, each store a differ- 
ent line of business. 

VVM. T. HAVEY. — Mr. llavey is a resident of Williams 
bridge. He is Democratic Captain of the Eighth Election Dis- 
trict and Secretary to the buperintendent of the Tenement 
iiouse Department of the city, Bronx branch. Mr. Havey was 
born in Eastchester, then separate but now a part of Greater 
New York, December 22, 1871. He is a graduate of the public 
schools, and having finished his course in them immediately 
sought employment. This he found in the real estate business, 
a line with which he is identified, in his official capacity. He be- 
longs to a family which is one of the oldest and most repre- 
sentative of Williamsbridge, and is a popular and well thought 
of young man. He is a staunch Democrat and a good Catholic. 
Besides the Tammany Hall General Committee he is enrolled in 
the Democratic Club of the Annexed District, the Chippewa Club 
and other local organizations. Having been born and broughi 
up here, he naturally takes a lively interest in the progress of 
the borough, of that part particularly over which he exercises 
political supervision. 

CHARLES WAKEFIELD TARBOX.— Mr. Tarbox, hav- 
ing been in the real estate business, extending from the Bat- 
tery to Yonkers. for about the last quarter oi a century and 
long a city appraiser in condemnation proceedings — a position 
need we say, of great responsibility — is well and widely known 
throughout the entire city. He is also of note as a worker in 
the Democratic cause, his initial work in this line having been 
exerted with great influence and his whole energy toward the 
election of former Mayor William R. Grace. He has fought 
for the election of good, honest, capable men to public office, 
though never an office holder himself. He has, in fact, refused 
nominations to ofilice several times. Mr. Tarbox was born June 
8, 1850, in the lower part of this city, but removed during his 
infancy, and now lives on the same property which was pur- 
chase from Gouverneur Morris in 1849, by his father, the late 
Hiram Tarbox, who was one of the original settlers in the 
Tremont section. He is a direct descendant on his mother's 
side of Paul Davenport, one of the earliest settlers in Connecti- 
cut, where the colony of New Haven was founded by his 
brother, John Davenport, and also a descendant of Samuel 
Adams, of Revolutionary fame and John Adams, who was 
second president of the United States, and also of John Quincy 
.'\dams, who was sixth president of the United States and son 
of John Adams. The name of Davenport has been continuous 
for several generations down to Mr. Tarbox's grandmother, 
Abigail Davenport, who married Seth Clark, of Connecticut. 
On his father's side he is a descendant of the noted General 
Greene, also of Revolutionary fame and who was considered 
next to General Washington. Mr. Tarbox attended the pub- 
lic schools in New York as a boy and, after the usual course, 
graduated from them, secured employment and started to carve 
out a career. He was energtic and as he is to-day, a hard work- 
er, very self-reliant and may be called self-made. He took up 
engineering for instance, was his own tutor, mastered it thor- 
oughly, and made it a means of success. He has been an in- 
ventor of no mean ability, his first invention having been pro- 
duced at the age of sixteen years, and 'others perfected up to 
the present day. amounting to upward of 150 mechanical, elec- 
trical and other applicances. His genius seems to have been a 
gift or to have been hereditary as his father was a mechanical 
genius and one of the founders of what is now the American 
Waltham Watch Company, he having conceived the idea of 
producing watch movements by machinery instead of by hand. 



Mr. Tarbox married in June, 1S89, Miss Margaret Behrens. 
1 hey liave one child, Miss Elsa Davenport Tarbox. Mr. Tar- 
bo-\ is a member of the Democratic Club of the City of New 
York ; of the Schnorer Club, and also the Fordham Club. He 
IS a director in the Provident Savings Loan Investment Com- 
pany of this city and has been connected as a trustee and other- 
wise, with several institutions in this and other cities. He re- 
sides at 1877 Washington avenue, this city. Mr. Tarbox has a 
brother who has lived in Boston for the past 30 years, and is 
noted as a structural engineer. He served in the Civil War, 
partly under General Ellsworth, and reenlisted under other 
generals during the war. After his discharge (1865) he pro- 
ceeded to St. Louis and was engaged upon one of the greatest 
engineering feats in those days, the construction of the Eads 
bridge. Two sisters, who formerly resided on the old prem- 
ises with Mr. Tarbox, Sr., now reside in Boston. Miss Mary 
C. Tarbox was engaged in educational pursuits and is well 
known in those circles. Mrs. Lee, formerly Miss S. E. Tarbox. 
was. before her marriage, deeply interested in the same voca 
tion as her sister. 

FRANZ BRAUN (deceased) was one of those whose enter- 
prise directed in manufacturing and industrial channels con- 
tributed largely to the development and progress of the borough 
He died December 4. 1900. after thirty-five years residence here 
at the age of si.xty-three. He was twenty-eight when he came to 
this city from Germany, and after an experience in various lines 
he embarked in the manufacture of embroidery. Mr. Braun 
himself was not a politician ; he was of an independent dis- 
position and character, but he interested himself in many popular 
movements and exerted himself in behalf of the improvement 
and development of the district. The bridge crossings of the 
New York Central Railroad was a particular hobby, and it was 
through his efforts that these were built. His logical arguments 
in these efforts before the Mayor and Board still linger with 
those who knew him. He gave his adherence to the 23d Ward 
Property Owners' Association and helped make it an influential 
body. He never sought office, but he heartily favored everything 
for the good of the community in which he had his business and 
home, and contributed freely time and money therefor whenever 
called upon. 

JAMES P. SONNEBORN, one of the Mount Hope pri- 
mary school boys, of whom there are a large number of them 
occupied in all the divisions of professional, mercantile r"iil 
financial pursuits at the present day and who completed their 
education at the old Tremont Public School No. 61. stands 
preeminent in his rank as a great and grand factor in the de- 
velopment of the Bronx, in a locality that fifteen years ago 
was almost a wilderness. In 1888 James P. Sonneborn, having 
learnt the "art preservative of all arts," left the printing business 
and going almost to the extreme end of Greater New York at 
that period, opened a real estate office at Bedford Park. The 
latter place, so well known at present, was almost an entire 
nonentity, so far as its existence was concerned in 1888. It was 
absolutely a farming community and its lands were nothing more 
or less than farms. However, by the means adopted in the con- 
struction, formation and other systematic methods devised and 
planned out by Mr. Sonneborn for the proper conduct of his 
business and also to develop rapidly, if possible, the improve- 
ment of this elegant section of our great city, his energy, in- 
dustry and his absolute integrity has been the means of bringing 
the large number of substantial citizens who have already lo- 
cated there and its growth is more than largely due to his 
long, unceasing and untiring efforts to make Bedford Park what 
it is to-day, one of the finest, healthiest and most picturesque 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



263 



places in the Borough of the Bronx. There is not a record of any 
transaction sncli as transfer, mortgage, assessment or anything 
pertaining to real estate transactions in Bedford Park that Mr. 
Sonncborn has always kept a complete record at his office and 
his records are open for public inspection, and having the repu- 
tation of lieing the ".\ndre\v H. Green" of Bedford Park, as the 
former was to our "Greater New York." he is unquestionably 
worthy of distinction in this complete and authentic history of 
the Bron.x. Mr. Sonneborn's father, F. William and his mother, 
Harriet L.. were sturdy people who inspired into tlie mind of 
their son the principles upon which the success in his business 
has been his "Alma Mater. In 1885 Mr. Sonneborn married 
the daughter of Dr. Van Vechten and Phebe Elting, of Tremont. 
Mr. Sonneborn is a member of the Royal Arcanum and vice- 
president of the Bedford Park Taxpayers' Association. Pros- 
pective buyers who are seeking investment or financial interests 
in the direction of Bedford Park for remunerative returns should 
consult with this active and reliable real estate dealer whose 
jiortrait appears on a succeeding page. 

JAMES JOHN McGUIRE. a successful real estate man, 
former justice of the peace and trustee of Wakefield Village, an 
old-time volunteer fireman and live man generally, was born in 
Albany, November 3, 1844. He attended school there, and when 
the Civil War came on enlisted. He was teamster in the service 
at Hilton Head, Charleston, in the Quartermasters' Department, 
and came home after eighteen months. He had a brother, 
Charles, by the way, also in that war in command of vessels, 
with a roving commission, who was the captor of privateers and 
blockade runners in Cuban and other tropic waters. On his 
return he took a position with ihe Wheeler & Wilson Sewing 
Machine Company as collector, which place he held for nearly 
thirty years. For the past fifteen years he has been a resident of 
the Bronx. He was justice of the peace two terms, trustee of 
Wakefield before annexation, and is a member of the X'etersn 
Firemen's Association. He belongs to the Chippewa Club, and 
as long ago as 1857 was a page in the Assembly. His connection 
with Democratic politics, in short, has been long and intimate 
Judge McGuire married, in 1868, Miss Mary M. Cannon, a lady 
of the Twentieth Ward, New York. They have six children 
living and one dead. Of those living four are sons and two are 
daughters. 

HENRY SCOFIELD PELL was born in City Island, 
Borough of the Bronx, on September 25, 1856. He received 
a public school education at City Island, and at a comparatively 
early age, embarked in the business of buying and selling 
real estate. Mr. Pell proved to be an adept to the real es- 
tate business and was and is a very successful broker. With 
the northward march of the progress of the City of New York, 
("ily Island became a field of agitation for many public im- 
provements and he becatue very active in propagating for im- 
provements and was found ever-ready to take up the burden 
of his neighbor, whenever his services were required to per- 
form such services. This, together with his admirable, man- 
ly (pialiiies, made him a large factor in the afifairs of City 
L'land. He is an advocate of Democracy and in 1893 he be- 
came the clerk of the New York State Assembly. He filled 
his office in an admirable manner and was many times lauded 
b\ the press for his proficiency. He is a member of the City 
Island Council, 1844, Royal Arcanum. He is still engaged in 
the real estate business 

LOUIS REITER, real estate broker and insurance agent, 
of Westchester and Jackson Avenues, has been resident and 
established in business in the borough seventeen years and owns 



the Reiter Building at aliove address. He is naturally one of 
the best known men in his line. He has been one of the most 
successful also. He is a Bavarian by birth, a native of Hoch- 
stadt, now 41 years old. He is a graduate of the Government 
High School at the famous Wagnerian town of Bayreuth. Mr. 
Reiter is a Republican, a Mason and Knight of Pythias, and 
represents, as Bronx manager, American Central Fire Insurance 
Co., Scottish Union & National Fire Insurance Co. and Phila- 
delphia Casualty Co. He married in January, 1888, Miss Ray 
Cower. They have three children. 

DANIEL ALLYNG REXFORD, a member of the firm 
of Molloy, Rexford & Co., prominent among the largest con- 
tractors on the Atlantic coast, at present engaged in the great 
improvement of widening White Plains Road in the Bronx, 
was born January i, 1857, at Norwich. New York. After at- 
tending the public schools of his native place, he was sent to 
the Hopkins Grammar School at New Haven, Connecticut, 
and was prepared there to enter Leicester Military Academy at 
Leicester, Massachusetts, where he graduated with honors, 
and thereupon chose the profession of contractor as a business, 
and has continued at the same successfully both in Canada and 
the United States since 1873, principally being engaged in the 
erection of public works, railroads and power plants, many of 
them among the largest and most important in both countries. 
In politics Mr. Rexford has always been a consistent Republi- 
can, although he has never held any public office. He is a mem- 
ber of the Congregationalist Church, and is prominently identi- 
fied with the Chenango County Society, of New Y'ork City, 
and the Crescent Athletic Club of Brooklyn, N. Y'. Mr. Rexford 
attends to the financial interests of the firm, besides giving a 
great deal of his attention to the development of its manifold 
interests, which extend to various parts of the country. The 
contract for widening White Plains Road was granted the firm, 
not so much from the fact that they were the lowest bidders, 
but largely from the fact of their thorough reliability and the 
satisfactory results the city would derive therefrom. Mr. Rex- 
ford is as popular as he is widely known. He is public-spirited, 
unselfish and is highly esteemed and respected by all who have 
the honor of his acquaintance. 

JAMES MATHEW MOLLOY. senior member of the firm 
of Molloy, Rexford & Co., general contractors, was born at 
Chester, Pennsylvania, June 3, 1844. He was educated at the 
local schools of his native place, after which he entered busi- 
ness as a contractor in building railroads, bridges, opening of 
streets and sewers of various municipalities. In his connec- 
tion with the present firm, he acts as the general superin- 
tendent and supervisor of all construction work, and is widely 
know-n as one of the most successful managers of men and 
work of this character on the roster of American contractors. 
A gentleman of large and vigorous frame, thoroughly equipped 
with all the fundamental principles and resources of his voca- 
tion, kindhearted and generous to his large army of employees, 
he enjoys the distinction of being capable of executing more 
work according to plans and specifications, than any other of 
our largest contractors, as the widening of the White Plains 
Road bears ample testimony. In politics. Mr. Molloy is a 
Democrat, but has never sought or held public office. He is a 
Roman Catholic and a meinber of the Knights of Columbus. 

JOHN F. COGAN, a member of the firm of Molloy, Rexford 
& Co., the prominent contractors, was born in New Y'ork City, 
December 23. i860. After attending the public schools he en- 





DANIEL ALLYNO REXFORD 



JAMES MATHEW MOLLOY 





JOHN F. COGAN 



MICHAEL SEXTON 



« 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



2(,S 



lered Mount St. Mary's College at Emmetshui-g, Maryland, and 
graduated therefrom in June, 1880. V\cting under the same im- 
pulses that governed the other members of his firm, he com- 
menced his business career as a contractor, and with but limited 
inerins. hut plenty of pluck and indomitable courage, forced his 
way to the front rank of bis profession. Eminently successful 
in all of his undertakings, he became an active partner with 
Molloy. Re.xford & Co., and assumes large responsibilities in 
the management of the firm's extensive operations. In his busi- 
ness relations with financiers and large corporations, he ex- 
hibits the highest order of intelligence appertaining to his vo- 
cation, which is sustained by the many victories he has won 
over competitors, for the construction of railways, bridges, 
streets, sewers and other important works thrcjughout the 
United States and the Canadas. Mr. Cogan, in politics, is a 
Democrat of the Jeffersonian type; has never held or sought 
public office. He is a member of the Catholic Church, and 
belongs to no societies, clubs or organizations, with the ex- 
ception of the Knights of Columbus. 

MlCll.VEL SEXTON, of the well known firm of Molloy, 
Rexford & Co., general contractors, was born in Ireland, June 
4. 1847. lie emigrated to the United States in i860, settled in 
Virginia, where he was properly educated. He commenced 
business as a contractor with very limited means and by dint 
of untiring energy and close application to his business, he 
met with remarkable success. In the Southern and New Eng- 
land Stales, he has built railroads, and for various muni- 
cipalities has widened streets and perfected their sewerage sys- 
tem. Mr. Sexton is a valuable contingent to the famous firm of 
which he is a member, and in the position he occupies is one 
of its most acti\e members. He is a member of the Catholic 
Church, and occupies a prominent position in the Knights of 
Columbus. 

THOS. F. O'RORKE, of 692 Union Avenue, the Bronx, is 
one of the solid men of the borough — the owner of valuable 
property. He was one of the first to discern what lay in the 
future for that part of the country, and, as he deserves, has 
profited by his discernment. We can say of him also without 
offense that he is a fighting character. He has fought his way 
up from poverty to afHuence He has fought as a soldier in war- 
time; he fought his way also as a policeman, fought to a final 
victory for order and peace in "Battle Row," where he was 
stationed, earning thereby the sobriquet of the "Mayor" of that 
delectable district. He fought even that strenuous personage 
Theodore Roosevelt, when the President was just an ordinary 
police commissioner, and is, like enough, the only man that ever 
had the better of him. Mr. O'Rorke is, as the name implies, of 
Irish extraction, and proud of it. He was raised as a boy in 
New Haven and went to school there. The Civil War came on 
and he enlisted. He was accepted as a drummer boy, but in 
his very first battle, at Baton Rouge, La., true to his fighting 
proclivities, discarded the drum for a musket. He served through- 
out the war, and was an orderly on Hancock's staff, and made 
his escape from the Confederates while they were taking him to 
Libby Prison, .\fter the war, in 1870, he was appointed to the 
Freedmen's Bureau, and in that capacity served as far South 
as Corpus Christi and Brownsville, Texas. In 1874 he was ap- 
pointed on the New York police force, and after a service of 
twenty-one years, during which he was distinguished for courage 
and attention to duty, was retired. He was known even then as 
one of the wealthiest men on the force, the possessor of a for- 
tune gained, not as now by grafting methods, but by economy 



and native shrewdness. He first came into the Bronx to live in 
1900. His investments now. including several apartment houses, 
are said to total fully $250,000. Mr. O'Rorke is a Democrat in 
politics and a Catholic in religion. He married in 1872 Miss 
Margaret A. Ryan. She died in 1895. leaving six children living — 
one son and the rest girls. He married again, in 1895, a Miss 
Catherine Netley. By her he has one child, a boy, Thomas V. 

WILLI.A.M C. BERGEN, real estate operator, of 21 10 .\n- 
thony Avenue, was born, at Kingston, N. Y., March 9, 1861, 
where he received an education at the public schools. For the 
past twenty-three years Mr. Bergen has resided in Bronx Bor- 
ough. When at the age of twenty-two he was employed as 
gardener by J. B. Brown, of Morris Heights, and the late ex- 
Mayor Franklin Edson of the same place. He also served in a 
like capacity for other well known people. Later he entered 
the police department. In 1886 Mr. Bergen, when at the age 
of forty-five years, retired from the force after a faithful ser- 
vice coveung a periua ot nearly twenty years. Durmg luai 
period he was attached to the Central Park station for twelve 
years. For two years he was detailed by Park Commissioner 
iMcMillan as detective tor all the parks of the Bronx. Vv lien 
the amalgamation ot the Greater i\ew York police force took 
p. ace, ne was assigned to the Forty-first Precinct (Bronx ParK 
siation.) The last four years of his service he was attached to 
the I wenty-fifth Precinct in East bixty-seventh Street. for 
ten years prior to Ins retiring from public duty, Mr. Bergen be- 
c.me interested in real estate transactions, and during that 
period ODtained a practical knowledge ot building construction, 
which served him well later on. After his retirement from the 
force he liegan to speculate in Bronx real estate as well as en- 
gaging in constructnig high class private and two-family 
Qwellings. He has had phenomenal success, and is to-day one 
ot the heaviest real estate operators and builders in this bor- 
uugh. In the construction of his buildings, Mr. Bergen has 
tile well-earned reputation of using only first-class materials, 
this being easily proven from the speedy sale of all the houses 
he erects. '1 he following is a partial list of some of the opera- 
tions carried on by Mr. Bergen: Six brick dwellings at 176th 
Street and Topping Avenue; five brick dwellings at 173d and 
179th Streets and Topping Avenue; seven frame dwellings at 
179th Street and Cliton Avenue; three brick dwellings at i8ist 
Street and .'\nthony Avenue; twelve frame dwellings at Bain- 
bridge Avenue; three brick dwellings at Bainbridge Avenue 
and I92d Street; five frame dwellings at Marion Avenue and 
197th Street; five frame dwellings at Valentine Avenue and 
202d Street ; forty to fifty frame dwellings at Mosholu Park- 
way and Perry Avenue ; one mansion of twenty rooms for 
James Cunnion. Mr. Bergen holds many high-class parcels of 
real estate in the finest sections of the Bronx, which he is hold- 
ing for advancement in values. Among some of his holdings 
are the following: 176th Street and Fulton Avenue, opposite 
Crotona Park; two corner plots corner of Grand Concourse 
and i8ist Street; corner I76lh Street and Morris Avenue; cor- 
ner of 176th Street and Topping Avenue: corner of 17.3d 
Street and Topping Avenue, and many others. The latest 
acquisitions to his holdings, and one of which he is rightly 
proud, is the purchase of the three-acre plot, where he was 
first employed by J. R. Brown, who at that time paid him the 
enormous salary of twenty dollars per month. This plot con- 
tains about fifty city lots and has been part of the Camp estate 
for about thirty years. Mr. Bergen is a Democrat. He is a 
member of the Arthur H. Murphy Association, Fordham Club. 
Elks. Knights of Columbus and a member of the Jefferson Club. 
On June 6, 1900, Mr. Bergen married Miss Mary L. O'Toole, 





WILLIAM C. BERGEN 



JAMES P. SONNEBORN 





JAMES JOHN MC GUIRE 



THOS. F. RORKE 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



267 



daughter of James O'TooIc. a prominent l'>ronx builder, wlio 
eoii'Strueied the Municipal Building, the Bronx Building, and 
many other important structures, both public and private. Mr. 
Bergen has three children, viz. : James, Loretta and Anna. He 
is a self-made man and his friends are legion. His entire career 
has been governed through honorable motives, and as a good 
citizen he ranks among the best in the Bronx. 

JOHN H. METZLER was born in West Forty-second 
Street, New York City, July 20, 1848. and came to Melrose with 
his parents in tS~,\. He was one of the oldest residents of the 




JOHN H. r^.ETZLER 

L'lOiiK at the time of his death, which occurrid 0:1 J muary 6, 
1902, when the Bronx lost one of its most enterprising caizeis. 
Mr. Metzler was known far and wide for his unquestionable 
ability and sterling integrity. During the early years of his life 
he attended Public School No. 61, of Morrisania, and at eleven 
years of age he went to work as a grocery clerk. After working 
six years as clerk he went to work for his father, John P. Metzler. 
who was a carpenter and builder, and learned his trade, which 
equipped him thoroughly for the enterprising work he performed 
successfully in after years. When twenty-two years of age, 
however, he concluded to open a grocery store, which he did. 
and was succeeding very well for a few years when a disastrous 
hre destroyed his store and crippled him financially so that hf 
dropped the grocery business and entered into the employ of Mr. 
E. Gustaveson, a prominent builder of that period, being foreman 
and superintendent for about fifteen years. In 1888 he started in 
the building and construction business on his own account, which 
marked the era of the first forward movements in the building 
up of the Bronx — at which he continued until the time of his 
death. Mr. Metzler married twice. His first wife was Miss 
Eva Vielbig. of Melrose, to whom he was married in 1871, and 
who died in October. 1881. There were five children of this 
imion. three of whom are now living, two daughters and a son. 



ill 1883 .Mr. .Met?ler married the second wife, Miss Annie M. 
Smith (still living) who belonged to one of the oldest and highly 
respected families of West Farms. There were two children 
of this uiiiiin. a daughter and a son, both living. In politics Mr. 
Metzler was a Kepulilican, but never sought political favors. 
He was one of the old volunteer firemen of Melrose, belonging 
to Engine Company No. 5. and was also a menilier of the 
Knights of Pythias. He was also a member of the Presbyterian 
Church of West Farms. In the death of Mr. Metzler, which was 
seriously regretted by all who knew him, the Bronx lost a pro- 
gressive man who had kept in advance of the era of improvements 
ill which he was interested. His son, Harry Metzler, has been, and 
1^ ninv, conducting the business on the same lines as his father. 

HARRY METZLER. carpenter and builder, of 2143 Map^s 
' venue, was born in the Bronx August 6, 1878. He lives in a fine 
old home built by his father, who was also a builder and con- 
tractor. Our subject was, in his youth, a pupil of Public School 
N'o. 61, but left it at fourteen to go to work for his father, 
and so continued up to the time of the old gentleman's death in 
1002. Then he succeeded to the business and took up Bronx 
real estate operations also "on the side." He has been more than 




HARRY METZLER 

measurably succe-sful ami has splendid prospects ahead. In 
politics and socitly and all that. Mr. Metzler takes but little 
interest. He is rnmarried and belongs to but one organization. 

JOHN CUNNINGHAM RODGERS. JR.. the youngest and 
most prominent and successful contractor in Greater New York, 
was born at La Chien, Canada, June 14, 1879. He graduated a 
the public schools and is an undergraduate of St. John's College, 
Fordham. He hails from a distinguished family, his father, 
John C. Rodgers, being one of the most influential contractors 
of municipal work in the Greater New York. While a member 
of the powerful firm of John C. Rodgers & Co. he has developed 
such a trait of push and energy on his own individual account 
that he was awarded the contract by the municipality of the 
Bronx to widen Westchester .-Vvenue from the Bron.x River, one 
of the largest and most important improvements that the borough 
has provided for during the year 1904. This work was en- 




JOHN CUNNINGHAM RODGERS, JR. 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



269 



tered into at once energetically by Mr. Rodgers and notwith- 
standing its enormous proportions and its herculean task, Mr. 
Rodgers has accomplished and performed astonishing results with 
the work. His progress has been so rapid that the taxpayers 
and property owners of the community are mure than delighted 
with the energy and ability of the young contractor, who gives 
fair promise of completing the great improvement before the 
contract limit. Mr. Rodgers is a member of the Roman Catholiv 
Church, belongs to no societies or organizations, giving his 
entire time to the prosecution of his large contracting interests. 
He was married April 4, i8gg, to Miss Sophia Frances Rodgers, 
a young lady liighly esteemed in social circles for her culture 
and refinement. 

FREDERICK DAMM, the well-known contractor and house 
mover of the Bronx, was born in Denmark. Sept. i6th, 1865, and 
was educated there. In 1885 he came to the Bronx, and estab- 
lished himself in the contracting of removing houses from one 
locality to another, and has become the leading representative 
of that branch of business throughout the Borough. He has 
consummated a large number of difficult tasks in the house- 
moving line, where others of his competitors have signally failed, 
and for this reason he has made for himself a reputation that 
has extended over Greater New York. Mr. Damm married 
lanuary 26, 1896, Miss Glockntr, who died June 26, 1905. leaving 
two children, Rena and Emma, both of whom are living. In 
politics Mr. Damm has always been a consistent Democrat, but 
has never aspired to political honors. He belongs to no socie- 
ties, clubs or organizations, but has a score of influential friends 
among the leading citizens of the Bronx, and is admired for 
his substantial business habits, his staunch integrity, and the 
promptness with which he fulfills his agreements. 

WM. T. AUSTIN, residing at 760 Plast 140th Street, is 
Chief Clerk in the Coroner's office, TrenTOut. Mr. Austm was 
born .^pril 8, 1868, in England, Great Britain, and was educated 
at (Jueens College, South America. He came to this country at 
the age of 17 in 1885 and has been a resident of the borough for 
fifteen years, 'fliough born abroad of an English father, his 
mother was an American. Flis wife is a sister of Coroner Mc- 
I'onald and a daughter of Col. Joseph McDonald, a veteran of 
the Civil War and members of Lafayette Post, G. A. R. Mr. 
.\ustin was before he took office an insurance man and account- 
ant. In politics he is a Republican and is Captain of the 57th 
District organization of that party. He is active in the North 
Side Republican Club and is a member of the Brownson Catho- 
lic Club and the Royal Arcanum. He married, July 20, 1892, 
as mentioned above. Miss Mary C. McDonald. They have four 
children living, Catharine H., Marie S., Wm. T., Jr., and Flor- 
ence R. 

LYDIA A. SCOFIELD. widow of the late Charles Scofield, 
was born in City Island August 4, 1846, and during her early 
youth attended the local public school ; her education was com- 
pleted at the Bolton School, located at Pelham Manor and at 
Bedford. Westchester County. Mrs. Scofield, before her mar- 
riage was Miss Lydia A. Pell, sister of Henry S. Pell, the well 
known real estate operator of City Island. The Pell family is 
looked upon as one of the oldest and most respected of that 
part of the borough, where they settled many years ago and have 
been identified right up to the present time with the upbuilding 
of City Island. Mrs. Scofield has operated extensively in Bronx 
real estate, and has been very successful, showing in every instance 
a marked ability. She has one son, I-"letcher P., who resides in 
the Borough of Brooklyn, where she also resides at the present 
time. 



PHILIP J. KEARNS, of the well known contracting 
firm of Cunningham & Kearns. main offices, 438 East Ninety- 
first Street, was born in Yorkviile, on the 8th day of August, 
1870. In 1873, his parents moved to the Bronx and he has 
resided in that section continuously since such date, acquiring 
his early education in both parochial and public schools. Mr. 
Kearns' highly successful career in his chosen field of business, 
contracting, rests on the foundation he laid by acquiring a 
practical knowledge of the details of the separate branches there- 
of. A mention of the following contracts, accomplished or 
under way, will give some idea of his high reputation for 
thorough workmanship and of his ability for shrewd calcula- 
tion on bid specifications : I'he Bungay outlet sewer, where 
skill alone overcame difficulties; paving Westchester .\venue. 




PHILIP J. KEARNS 

from Third Avenue to Southern Boulevard, both in the Bronx; 
in Manhattan, sewer on Fifth Avenue, from Washington 
Place to Fifty-ninth Street, and outlet sewers the entire length 
of West and South Streets; regul.ting of Delancey Street 
(Bowery to Clinton Street entrance Williamsburg Bridge); 
construction of the Brooklyn Plaza of said bridge and the re- 
paving of Elm Street, Manhattan, and Kent Avenue (Broadway 
to Hewes Street) Brooklyn. Mr. Kearns has ever been a 
staunch Democrat, but never an office seeker, and is an honored 
member of the Jeiiferson Club and the Tammany General Com- 
mittee. In club life he holds membership in the Taxpayers' 
Alliance, Schnorer Club, New York Athletic Club, Knights 
of Columbus. Contractors' Association. Elks and vra.s. 
a charter member of the Brownson Catholic Club. Mr. Kearns 
is of the Catholic faith and unostentatiously provides liberally 
to the maintenance of its many charities. On October 3, 1894, 
he was married to Miss Honora Veronica White, and five 
children, four of them sturdy boys, grace Mr. Kearns' home 
near 183d Street on the Grand Concourse and Boulevard. 





A'JGU::iUJ A. IRUUAND 



FRANZ BRAUN 





FREDERICK DAMM 



LOUIS REITER 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



271 



EDMUND BARRV O'CONNELL was horn in New York 
City ."^ in the old Nineteenth Ward, on January 22. 1875. He 
received his education in the Cathedral Parochial School and in 
Grammar School No. 74, Manhattan. Early evincing a desire 
to learn architecture, he took a special course in that study 
at Columbia College. Mr. O'Connell is the senior partner in 
the well known firm of O'Connell-Piper Company, extensive 
marble and tile contractors, at Concord Avenue and 151st Street. 
Bronx. During his thirteen years' residence in the Bronx, Mr. 
O'Connnll has won an enviable reputation for probity and good 
citizenship in both business and social circles. He is a member 
of St. Roch's Catholic Church, as well as numerous Catholic 
nrganizations. On April 21, 1903, he married Catharine H. 
Ryan, and two daughters, Sarah Marie and Elizabeth C, make 
their home life cheerful. 

AUGUSTUS A. IRELAND, is Assistant Superintendent ol 
the Tenement House Department, Bron.x Branch, and one of the 
active Democrats of the borough. He is a native born in New 
York City (Manhattan) November 19, 1867, and a resident of 
the Bronx since his 12th year. He is a product of the public 
schools and was formerly until 1904 engaged in the brokerage 
business in Wall Street. He belongs among others to the follow- 
ing clubs and associations of the district : The Tallapoosa 
Club, Ix)uis F. llatfen Association, West iVlorrisania Club, Mel- 
rose Turn Verein. the Elks, the Schnorer, etc. He married 
September .30, 1892, Miss May .A. Haffen, daughter of John 
Haffen. They have two children living. John M. and Augustus P. 

THOMAS BOWNE WATSON, comractor and stevedore, 
was born October 28. 1S68, in the Bronx, w-hcn that section (of 
what is now one of the boroughs of New Y'ork City) was a 
part of Westchester County. He attended the public schools, 
and at the age of fourteen graduated therefrom with high honors. 
After leaving school he .secured employment, and in 1903 went 
into his present business on his own account. He was success- 
ful from the start, and is to-day one of the substantial citizens 
of Bronx Borough. Mr. Watson has built up an extensive busi- 
ness as a general contractor and stevedore. His main office is 



located at Fordham Road and Gerard .\venue. Politically, Mr. 
Watson is a ■^taimch Democrat. He is extremely popular and 
has a large circle of influential friends who have repeatedly 
urged him to become a candidate for Alderman and Assembly- 
man. His extensive business has always prevented him from 
accepting. He is a prominpnt member of Chippewa Club. 




THOMAS BOWNE WATSON 

Thomas H. O'Neil Association; he was an Exempt Fireman, 
and is the standard-bearer of the Thomas B. Watson Association. 
He is also an influential member of St. Peter's Church of West- 
chester. On July 12, 1899, Mr. Watson married Miss Daisy M. 
Lane. Four children blessed the union, George W. and Israel 
Honeywell, living: Daisy and Dorothy, deceased. Mr. Watson is 
the last descendant of the old and well-known Watson family 
of Westchester. His father was a captain of one of the Ericson 
monitors during the Civil War. He was a brave man and saw 
service throughout the entire period of strife. 




CHAPTER XLII 



IN THE PUBLIC EYE 



Some of the Men Who Have Figured in Developing the Borough, and Have Attained More Prominence Than 

is Accorded Most Men 



LOUIS F. HAFFEN.— A little more than fifty-one years 
ago, on November 6, 1854, Louis F. Haffen was born in the 
Village of Melrose, tueii pait ot the manor of iViorrisania and 
within the precincts 01 the old township of West i-arms (after- 
wards, in 1S56, the town of Morrisania) and the County of VVest- 
cnester. What is now a busy, crowded and prosperous section 
01 the Borough ot the Uronx was then a rural township with a 
meagre population scattered in small hamlets or having its 
homes on the many farms which extended from the Harlem 
Kiver northward to Yonkers ana v^hite Flains. Mr. Half en is 
ot a family which has no small distinction in the borough as 
pioneers in its business, social and religious life, and is of that 
sturdy substantial (jerman and Irish stock, which figures in- 
Hueinially in the population of our borough and city. The vil- 
lage school was located on Uenman btreet, now isoth Street, 
between Melrose and Courtlandt Avenues. It was here that 
the subject of our sketch commenced the scholastic and pro- 
fessional training which, combined with personal qualities ^t the 
highest order, has made his public career by far the mos. dis- 
tinguished and useful in the history of the evolution of the old 
Twenty-third and Twenty-fourth Wards into the present popu- 
lous Borough of the Bronx. From 1866 to 1868 he was a pupil 
in the old Melrose Public School, a modest frame structure 
which stood on Third Avenue in the vicinity of 157th or 158th 
Streets. In the fall of 1868, when fourteen years of age, Mr. 
Haflfen entered St. John's College, then as now, located at Ford- 
ham. Two years later he began a course of study at Niagara 
University. In 1872 he returned to St. John's and in 1875 gradu- 
ated from the college w-ith the degree of .A-.B. Having decided 
to become a Civil Engineer, Mr. Haffen began to equip himself 
for the practice of his chosen profession by entering the School 
of Mines of Columbia College, the present School of Science 
of Columbia Lhiiversity. With the full honors of the scientific 
course he graduated from the School of Mines in 1879. In the 
meantime, St. John's College, now Fordham University, be- 
stowed upon him the degree of A.M.. and he was again honorci', 
by his alma mater last year (1905) when the degree of LL.D. 
was conferred upon him. With characteristic energy Mr. Haffen 
lost no time in entering upon the active work of his profession. 
.■\fter two years of home practice and study, in the fall of 1881 
he emigrated to Colorado and .spent a busy twelve months in the 
Rocky Mountain country and other sections of the far West. 
His labors as a mining and civil engineer carried him to w-hat 
were then almost unexplored sections of the western country 
between lower California and Washington Territory. In 1882, 
that he might begin the practice of his profession in his native 
city, Mr. Haffen returned to New York and established himself 
as a Civil Engineer. One year later, in April, 1883, he entered 
the service of the municipality as an engineer in the Park De- 



partment. From 1890 to 1893 he was engineer-in-charge and 
superintendent of the new panes in the Twenty-third and 1 wenty- 
fourth Wards and aujacent territory, now the Borough of tne 
Bronx. On May i, 1893, Louis I', fiaffen began his remarkable 
career as executive and administrator of the territory of the City 
of New York, north and east of the Harlem River. On that day 
Mayor Gilroy appointed him Commissioner of Street Improve- 
ments for the Iwenty-third and Twenty- fourth Wards to fill the 
vacancy caused by the untimely demise of Louis J. Heintz. In 
tUe tali ot i8gj Aiayor Cilioys act was confirmed by the people, 
who by a large majority elected Mr. Halftn for the unexpired 
term as Commissioner of Street Improvements. 'Ihe recital of 
Louis F. Haffen's public career since that time constitutes the his- 
tory of the t.xtraordinaiy development and progress of the great 
North Side. He served as Commissioner of Street Improve- 
ments until the end of 1897, when the Department went out of 
e.xistence to give way to the borough government created by the 
Greater New York Charter, which went into effect January 1, 
i8g8. In 1897 ^^^- Haffen was elected for a term of four years 
as first Piesident of the Borough of the Bron.x. In November, 
1501, he was re-elected for a leiin of two years; in 1903 again 
re-elected for a term of two years, and in 1905 once more re- 
elected, this time for a four-year term, which began January i, 
igo6, and will expire December 31, 1909. Twenty years ago Mr. 
Haffen was happily married. Nine children, si.x; of whom sur- 
vive, have been born to him and his wife. His residen-ce is at 
524 East i62d Street, near the Melrose Depot. His present home 
IS within a stone's throw of the village home where he first saw 
the light of day. Except for the year spent in the West in the 
early practice of his profession, Louis F. Haffen has lived every 
day of his life in the Bronx and the only home he has known 
has been within the precincts of the old village of Melrose. It is 
no occasion for wonder that the name of Louis F. Haffen is a 
household word to the people of the Bronx. The citizenship 
which bestows the highest honor upon the community in which 
we live is concerned less with schemes of gain and profit than 
witli broad plans of government and development that make New 
York a better place for the millions to live in and thereby aug- 
ments the happiness of the masses whose energy and ability 
create the wealth and true greatness of the city and whose homes 
must be within its borders. Measured by this standard the Presi- 
dent of the Borough of the Bronx is in the front rank of the 
really successful men of the metropolis. His true proportions as 
an administrator and his achievements as the master mind of 
ihe development of the Bronx will be appreciated in ever in- 
creasing measure with the lapse of time and the accumulation 
of years and generations. During his successive terms of oflSce 
as Commissioner and Borough President, the Bronx has grown 
from a conglomeration of scattered villages to a great thriving 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



273 



city whose ultimate extent in population, wealth, area and 
power no man can foresee or describe. Not less than $40,000,- 
000 have been expended in public improvement and assessment 
work during the official incumbency of Louis F. Haffen. Since 
he was placed at the head of the local government in 1893 
the population of the territory within the Bronx has multiplied 
several times and is now larger than the population of any 
one of several States. In the laying out and grading and pav- 
ing of streets and boulevards ; the establishment of vast sewer 
systems ; solving problems of rapid transit and dock and water 
facilities; advancmg the educational interests of the borough; 
initiating and carrying to a consummation public improvements 
of every sort, including bridges and viaducts, public baths, 
parkways, the boulevard and concourse, borough court house, 
and others too numerous for specific mention, the record of 
President Haffen's borough administration is unique in the 
annals of municipal government. It may be said i:i truth and 
moderation that the city north of the Harlem is the crowning 
monument of his achievements. In the political life of the 
borough, Mr. Haffen has necessarily been a factor of the largest 
dimension. For many years he was the acknowledged Demo- 
cratic leader in llie fhirty-fifth Assembly District and only re- 
cently has he laid that responsibility down. As a party leader 
his influence has always been on the side of good government 
and honest politics and to this fact is due in no small de- 
gree his hold upon the confidence and respect of his fellow 
citizens. They support him irrespective of party when a candi- 
date for office. In no election since 1893 have they failed to 
give him the victory. Not once but many times his record has 
been submitted to the people for their judgment and always the 
verdict has been one of emphatic approval. While a strong 
partisan in matters that are purely political in character, he re- 
gards local government as wholly outside the sphere of party 
politics. To the Democratic convention which last fall re- 
nominated him for Borough President, he expressed himself 
in this vigorous language: "It is my intention that there shall 
be no misunderstandnig between you as the delegates of a 
great political party and myself as the candidate you have se- 
lected for the office of President of the Borough of the Bronx. 
Un all proper political and party questions I am, as you know, 
a partisan. No more sincere or sterenuous advocate exists oi 
the American idea that in the conduct of State and National 
affairs strong and vigorous political parties are absolutely es- 
sential to the success and permanency of representative govern- 
ment. Questions of economics and of radically different theo- 
ries of government are involved in State and nation, and they 
call for the application of principles purely political in origin 
and in character. But I know of no political principle that can 
have any proper or legitimate relation to the administration 
of the local affairs of the Borough of the Bron.x of the City 
of New York. In accepting your nomination I do so with 
the distinct understanding that, should I be re-elected President 
of the Borough, I will not be the agent or the representative of 
any political faction or party, but I shall be the servant of all 
the people and all the taxpayers of the Bronx, irrespective of 
their party affiliations or political creeds. The interests of 
every taxpayer and resident in the borough will receive prompt 
and equal consideration. Whether a citizen owes allegiance to 
the Republican party or to the Democratic party, or whether he 
affiliates with any other political organization, he has a right 
equal to the right of every other citizen to be heard and con- 
sidered on all questions of local administration. Good admin- 
istration of borough affairs is not a matter of politics or parti- 
sanship, but of conserving the welfare of the entire community 
by meeting the just and righteous demand of the people for 



honesty, efficiency and economy in the conduct of their local 
government. The aim of a borough government must be 
an upright and clean administration. An administration that 
will attract and encourage local industries, and invite the in- 
vestment of capital and the incoming of new population; that 
will provide adequate school facilities, rapid and comfortable 
transportation ; streets well paved, well lighted and well cleaned ; 
proper supervision of building operations that the health and 
safety of occupants may be safeguarded ; the construction of 
sewers and extension of water mains; the opening of streets 
and boulevards and building of bridges, and the erection and 
maintenance of public baths. In a word, the carrying out of 
public improvements of every sort that a wise and far-sighted 
policy may approve and the resources of the city and borough 
permit. Politics and partisanship have no proper place in 
such a scheme of local government. The guiding principles 
must be honesty, efficiency and economy, and if I am to be 
president of the borough, politics and partisanship will not be 
allowed to either intrude or control. One pledge I make and 
only one. That pledge is to give the best there is in me and all 
my time, ability and thought to a conscientious discharge of the 
duties of the great office of President of the Borough of the 
Bronx." The spirit of independence and sincerity with which 
this declaration vibrates is the key to President Haffen's con- 
ception of his duty as chief executive of the borough and the 
foundation of his career in the public service. Louis F. Haf- 
fen is a constructive force in the community. He is an unpre- 
tentious, honorable, high-minded citizen. His stern honesty 
and sterling worth are everywhere acknowledged, and the 
residents and taxpayers of the Bronx know that at the Muni- 
cipal building, as president of the borough, there presides over 
the local government an intelligent and incorruptible citizen, 
who by the personal qualities of honesty, courage, experience 
and efficiency, meets every requirement of the high position 
he fills. 

RICHARD H. MI PCHELL, Assistant Corporation Counsel 
in charge of the Bronx, was born in McKeesport, Pa., in 1870 
He was educated at the Morrisania Public School, then known 
as Grammar School No. 61. at the College of the City of New 
York, where he graduated in 1888, and at Columbia University 
Law School in i8go and 1891, and in June of the latter year was 
admitted to the Bar. He associated himself with Morgan & Ives, 
a well-known law firm of New York City, and soon after be- 
came a member of the firm with Rollin M. Morgan, with whom 
he has since continued in partnership. The firm of Morgan & 
Mitchell has during the last ten years taken charge of much 
important litigation, and both members of the firm have been 
very active in public affairs. Mr. Mitchell is the younger son 
of Dr. James B. Mitchell and Emma Henry Mitchell. He is a 
descendant of Irish and German ancestors, his grandfather, 
James Henry, having been a native of the town of Colerain, County 
of Londonderry, Ireland, and he is also related to the Eckfeldt 
family, of whom Adam Eckfeldt was an appointee of President 
Washington in the United States Mint. He has lived for the 
last twenty-eight years in the Borough of the Bronx in the part 
formerly known as Morrisania, and since l8go has been well 
known as a Democrat and a strong adherent of Tammany Hall. 
In 1897 he was elected Member of Assembly from the 35th 
Assembly District by a majority of 1,462 votes, and the follow- 
ing year, 1898, he was elected Senator by a majority of 6,606. 
He remained in the Senate during the years 1899 and 1900. 
serving during that time on the Judiciary Committee and the 
Coinmittee on Privileges and Elections. In February, 1904, Cor^ 



274 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



poration Counsel Delany selected Senator Mitchell as one of his 
assistants and placed him in charge of the Corporation Counsel's 
Office in the Borough of the Bronx. In the early part of 1904 
some of Senator Mitchell's friends enlisted his interest in a 
movement for the advancement of the political and commercial 
interest of Puerto Rico. A very strong association was formed 
in this city, known as the Puerto Rican American League, and 
Senator Mitchell has been chosen President. Mr. Mitchell is 
now a member of the Bar Association of the City of New 
York, Democratic Club, New York Yacht Club, Larchmont 
Yacht Club. Fordham Club, Schnorer Club, Jefiferson Tammany 
Club, Pennsylvania Society, Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. Kane 
Lodge, No. 454, F. & A. M. ; Jerusalem Chapter, Coeur de Lion 
Commandery, Wasliington Club, Pawnee Club, League of Ameri- 
can Wheelmen. Bar Association of the Borough of the Bronx, 
Taxpayers' Alliance, Alumni Association of College of City 
of New York, and Bronx West Side Association. Mr. Mitchell 
resides at 1216 Washington avenue, Borough of the Bronx, 
New York City. 




HON. J. A. GOULDEN 

HON. J. A- GOULDEN was born in Adams County. Penn- 
sylvania, near the famous battlefield of Gettysburg His early 
life was devoted to teaching. He served in the Civil War. For 
many years he was prominent in public affairs in the City of 
Pittsburg. Pa. He was one of the managers of the State Re- 
formatory and a member of the Democratic State Central Com- 
mittee from Western Pennsylvania. Locating in New York 
City in 1889, lie soon became a leader in public affairs. As a 
Commissioner of Education, and as President of the Taxpayers' 
.Mliance, which he organized, he became known throughout, not 
only the city, but the Stale. Through his activity many new 
schools were built, and numerous public improvements insti- 



tuted. His friends in the schools are legion, and his services , 
at all public functions much sought after. He was the first 
chairman of the Local School Board of the Twenty-fifth District 
and the head of the combined boards of the Bronx. He re- 
signed to take a seat in Congress, to which he was elected by a 
majority of 13,567. The City Hall in Manhattan and the Capitol 
at Albany have frequently heard his voice pleading the wanti" 
of the people of the City of New York. For several years he 
has been a trustee of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Home at Bath, 
N. Y. His presence in Washington has been felt and his speeches 
in the House of Representatives have been favorably received. 
He is an active member of the Committee on Merchant Marine 
and Fisheries. His untiring energy and forceful character are 
well known. His residence, where he has lived for fifteen years, 
is on Creston Avenue, near iSplh Street, Fordham. He is a 
member of the following clubs : Military Service, Catholic, 
Brovvnson, Schnorer, Pawnee, Fordham and Jefferson. 

LOUIS .ALOYS RISSE, former Chief Topographical En- 
gineer of Greater New York, was born in France, and came 
to this country when 17 years old. He was first employed by 
the New Y'ork & Harlem Railroad, and afterwards by the New 
York Central & Hudson River Railroad on the projected Spuyten 
Duyvil & Port Morris Branch Railroad. He was also engaged 
on a preliminary surxey of a railroad between Portchester and 
Ridgefield. Conn. In 1868-1871, he made a map of Morrisania 
which territory was surveyed and laid out under a Special Com- 
mission enacted by Act of Legislature; 1871-1874 he was engaged 
in surveying and mapping the territory in Westchester County 
annexed to the city in 1874. After annexation he was ap- 
pointed Assistant Engineer in the Park Department, and in 1880 
was made Superintendent of the Twenty-third and Twenty-fourth 
Wards. On January ist, 1891, he was appointed Chief Engineer 
by the late Louis J. Heintz, the first Commissioner of Street 
Improvements of that territory, and it was during Heintz's ad- 
ministration that Mr. Risse mapped and laid out the final street 
system of that part of the Twenty-third and Twenty-fourth 
Wards lying west of the Bronx River. He conceived and laid 
out the Grand Boulevard and Concourse, as one of the features 
I if that system and thus established the missing link between the 
park system of Manhattan and the Bronx. In 1895 he was ap- 
pointed by Commissioner Louis F'. Haffen, Chief Topographical 
Engineer and Engineer of Concourse, and during that ad- 
niinistralion made a complete topographical survey of the terri- 
tory annexed in 1895 and lying east of the Bronx River. He 
also ina<le a map showing a complete street and park system of 
that section on modern and progressive lines. This map was 
linally approved and adopted after numerous public hearings. 
In 1898. the year of consolidation, he was appointed Chief Topo- 
graphical Engineer of Greater New Y'ork by the Board of 
Public Improvements and in 1899 made the famous Topographi- 
cal Map of Greater New York which was shown at the Paris 
Exposition, and for which Mr. Risse received the first prize. 
On this map is shown for the first time, a tentative park and 
street layout of all the territories in the five boroughs. In 1900, 
Mr. Risse was selected to represent the city of New Y'ork at the 
Paris Exposition and was also appointed by the Commissioner 
General of the United States at that E.xposition as a member of 
the International Jury of Engineers. In 1902, when the 
Greater New Y'ork charter was amended by abolishing the Board 
of Public Improvements, Mr. Risse retired as a public official, 
and has since continued in his prufessiou will) offices in the 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



275 



Park Row Building. Last Spring Mr. Risse was selected to 
superintend the installation of the New York City Exhibits in 
the City Building at the World's Fair in St. Louis, and during 
the Summer traveled extensively in Europe, where he was sent 
to examine and report upon subjects in connection with the 
future improvements in this country. Mr. Risse is a member 
of the Democratic Club, Bronx Club, Schnorer Club, North Side 
Board of Trade, Municipal Art Society, the American Scenic 
and Historical Preservation Society, French Benevolent Society, 
and others. His wife's name is Marion D. Risse. Number of 
children five, three living and two deceased. Names of living 
children ; .\loys C. Risse, Aimee A. Lord, Charles E. Risse ; 
names of deceased : Aloysius G., and Armand L. 

FRANK GASS. Register of New York City and real estate 
operator of Unionport, one of the most successful men in that 
line and best known resident of that part of the borough, is a 
German by birth, but has been in this country more than thirty- 
three years, and in the Bronx over twenty. He was born in Kers- 
bach, Bavaria, in 1850. He went to school over there and to 
college at Bambera, Bavaria, and served his time there to the 
confectionery business. After he came to this country in 1872, 
he took up painting and decorating for a living and put in 
several years at it, on Second Avenue in Harlem. In 1889 he 
moved to Unionport and went into th-e real estate line at that 
place in 1890. In 1892 he organized the Taxpayers' Association 
there and in 1893 the Hose Company of Unionport. of which he 




FRANK GASS 

was foreman till exempted. In 1897 he was elected Alderman 
from his district and was re-elected three times. He served in all 
eight years. He is a Tammany Democrat and member of the 
Chippewa Club, a Mason and Odd Fellow, and Exempt Fireman 
and a member of the Westchester Manncrchor. He married in 
1873, Katherine Billhofer, but has no children. 



OLIN JAMES STEPHENS, president of the North Side 
Board of Trade, was born in New York City October 30, 1859. 
He attended the public school and graduated from No. 60. He 
then entered the College of the City of New York and is an 
undergraduate of this well known institution. In 1878 he was 
employed by his father, James Stephens, in the coal business, 




OLIN J. STEPHENS 

which the latter established in 1853 at 129th and 130th Streets, 
immediately west of Third Avenue. In January, 1872, this busi- 
ness was removed to its present location in 138th Street, now 
Borough of the Bronx. In 1888 Mr. Stephens entered into part- 
nership with his father and at the latter's death, which occurred 
on May 23, 1904, he became sole proprietor of the business. Mr. 
Stephens' father was the pioneer coal merchant of Harlem and 
was one of the first citizens of the latter. He was a public- 
spirited gentleman and was held in the highest esteem by the 
entire community. His business grew up with the rapid rise 
and growth of Harlem and he always maintained the position of 
being the largest and most successful coal merchant of the 
]lace, which is the fact to-day. Since his son, Olin J. Stephens, 
succeeded to the business, he has followed out the precepts of 
his father and is recognized by the trade and the residents of 
Bronx Borough as the head and front of the coal business. 
His coal yards, located on 138th Street and the Mott Haven 
Canal, Bronx River, near Westchester Avenue, West Farms, 
Webster Avenue, Bedford Park, are perfect in construction and 
are supplied with every modern convenience for the receiving 
and discharging of the black diamonds. The first steam shovels 
ever used in the Bronx were put in by Mr. Stephens, three of 
them in all. each having a capacity of hoisting fifty tons an hour. 
Tlie yards have a storage capacity of 10,000 tons, and at the 
proper seasons of the year are filled with the best grades of coal. 
About fifteen barges are required to transport the coal sold. 




JOHN H. J. RONNER 



History of bronx borough 



til 



I'Vom forty to fifty teams and one hundred men are employed to 
handle the Inisiness transacted liy Mr. Stephens; its magnitude 
may be reahzed when it is considered that over 125,000 tons of 
coal are delivered from these yards to the residents, factories 
and buildings of the Bronx and Manhattan. Mr. Stephens has 
been a resident of the Bronx since 1869; he is a Republican in 
politics, a member of St. Ann's Protestant Episcopal Church, a 
life member of the New York Athletic Club, a member of the 
New York Botanical Garden, the New York Zoological Society, 
the Lothenian Club, a hunting and fishing organization of Canada, 
president of the North Side Board of Trade, and vice-president 
of the Nassau Boat Club. 

CHARLES STOLiGHTON.--The family of which Charles 
Stoughton is a member traces its descent through collateral 
branches in England back to the Norman conquest, and in New 
F.ngland from 1634, at which time certain members came to 
ihis country and took part in the founding of the Massachusetts 




CHARLES STOUGHTON 

Bay colony, settling in what is now Dorchester, from wdience 
a part removed to the Connecticut River, where they were 
among the first settlers of the town of Windsor. Froin Wind- 
sor one branch of the family moved further up the Connecticut 
River to the village of Gill, Massachusetts, where the subject of 
this sketch was born i:i the early part of the last century. There 
he lived, with three brothers and two sisters, until early man- 
liood, when, leaving the farm, he traveled extensively for those 
primitive da|ys, on business enterprises of his own choosing, 
which took him through New England and into New York 
State, through the Southern States also, and as far as Cali- 
fornia by way of the Isthmus. Ten years of this period were 
.spent by him in business in New Orleans, from which place he 
finally returned, in 1854, to reside in New York, wliere he has 



continued to live. In the late sixties he came with his family 
from the lower part of the city, and took up his residence in 
what was then the town of Morrisania; and the northern bor- 
ough has, since then, formed his home. At the time of his com- 
ing to this section there was little indication of the great march 
ipf the future city northward, nor had that spirit which was 
content in earlier years to have the out-of-town side of City 
Hall built of cheaper stone than the front, yielded place to 
any comprehensive idea of the growth of a greater metropolis 
of which the Harlem River should divide the center. As a gen- 
eral theory every one knew that the city would extend north- 
ward along the island, and that the suburbs would increase on 
the main land. But this idea did not influence the practical 
schemes of even the luost far-sighted men farther than to in- 
cline them to hold their suburban property for a rise ; largely 
because the means of transit from the city were so futile, and 
because no one could include in his working formulas the pos- 
siljilities of communication which are making the growth of the 
larger city possible, for a new generation. At such a time as 
this, with the field of opportunity open and very little occupied, 
ar.d with all the possibilities of development unknown, which 
have long since materialized and are now becoming common- 
place experiences, the subject of this review turned his atten- 
tion and energies to the latest possibilities of the waterways 
of the northern end of the city wdiich as yet had been entirely 
unused for commerce, although the far-sighted De Witt Clinton 
had discussed them, and there had been in earlier years some in- 
clTective legislation for their improvement. In undertaking this 
his view embraced the use of the Harlem River and the Kills 
as a water route from the Hudson River to the Sound and 
ihcnce outward to the ocean, avoiding thus the enforced use 
nf the Sandy Hook channel with its tidal limitation; and 
adding enormously to the available dock room of the city 
along the northern shores. It involved the strategic value of 
Port Morris and adjacent shores in affording suitable railway 
connections for the tran-shipment of passengers and freights — 
even now not existing in Manhattan — and the advantage of 
I he direct passage for freight boats serving this tran-shipment, 
from the Hudson River to the Sound. He further called at- 
liiclii)n to the possible and, in fact, inevitable use of the Sound 
pnrt and the Souixl itself in connection with the railways, by 
tne existing trans-Atlantic steamship companies, and by new 
ones, and he showed that this would, in effect, create a new 
continental route so far as the city is concerned, between the 
East and West. Pursuing this idea, on the twelfth of October, 
1876, he called a meeting of the citizens at his home, and is- 
sued a missive, expressing the essential proposition which he 
was to amplify in subsequent papers. The invitation stated as 
the intent of the meeting, the solving of the following 
problems : "First. Is Port Morris the central point in our city, 
in the world's great highway, from Europe to New York, Chi- 
cago, San Francisco, Japan and China, if connected by steam- 
ships and railway? Second. Could or would a steamship in a 
round trip from the said point or port, to and from Europe, 
save a day of twenty-four hours, rather than from and to Jer- 
sey City or the North River, thereby lessening the steamship's 
expense some $1,000? Third. Could a company of travellers 
of ID, 50 or 100 persons, in urgent haste from one continent to 
the other continent, or further on by the said route, save a day 
in time, also twenty or more dollars in expense each, in such 
a route and trip? Fourtn. Could the passage ticket by such a 
European route be reduced ten to fifteen dollars Fifth. Could 




LOUIS ALOYS RISSE 



HlSTORY,.OF BRONX BOROUGH 



279 



corn be sent to Port Morris and shipped to Europe fully one 
cent a bushel cheaper than b3' any other route, also wheat and 
all kinds of products that go forward for the world's con>- 
suniption be sent with corresponding less expense, and a quick- 
ness of time, and merchandise be returned in like manner at 
less expense for our great continent than any other route By the 
desire of many, C. S." 

The questions thus propounded were answered in the af- 
firmative by the gentlemen who attended this and subsequent 
meetings and who were themselves the pioneers in that public 
spirit and in those enterprises which inaugurated the develop- 
ment of the present borough. But to every enterprise that suc- 
ceeds it is necessary for some one to give to it unstinted time 
and energy to push it as he would his own business ; and this 
he alone did and has done through most of the intervening 
years, while the government engineers have trifled with it, and 
while it lias been sported with from time to time by ambitious 
statesmen. He prepared memorials to Congress, and went from 
man to man for signatures, travelling as far as Chicago for 
them ; he presented them in person in Washington for 
introduction by the senators or representatives; he fol- 
lowed them up by printed statements addressed to citizens 
and to tlie members of Congress, setting forth the ad- 
vantages to accrue to commerce from the use of these 
waters and the port, and indicating tlie means for the ac- 
complishment of the improvement, and also the obstacles that 
would have to be removed. In this long campaign many other 
citizens have freely assisted, signing memorials, attending meet- 
ings and appearing before congressional committees, and the 
magnitude of the undertaking, or rather the subtle adverse in- 
fluences in its way, became apparent in considering the length 
of time that has elapsed since its active inception, nearly a 
generation ago. Their efforts at first met with immediate suc- 
cess. A Congress not noted for liberality appropriated $400,000 
for the improvement of the Harlem River, and after a long de- 
lay in applying it, work was commenced. There was then every 
reason for its immediate completion, which as other enterprises 
are carried out in this city, should have been a matter of a year 
or two at most; and the Harlem Kills Canal should in like 
manner have been taken up by the government and finished 
witlhn a reasonable time. On the contrary both works are 
almost as far as ever from the possibility of their intended 
use. Those only who have advocated some work great enough 
to absorb their utmost resources of power and endurance and 
who have given up all other interests while striving for its ac- 
complishment through many years, until it has become for them 
the main issue of their existence, can realize the devotion to a 
large conception which has sustained these years 01 unavailing 
effort extending at last nearly to the limit of life. 

LOUIS J. IIEINTZ (deceased) has been dead these ten 
years, but the fact that his name, character and services are still 
frequently recalled over that North Side which he championed 
and whose favorite son he was, shows plainly how deep and last- 
ing the impress was he made. He was only thirty when he died ; 
he was rich, and might have taken life at ease; but he was enter- 
prising, aggressive and public-spirited, and threw himself instead 
into the work of upbuilding and developing the community in 
which his lot was cast. From one of the numerous obituaries 
published at the time of his death, March 12, 1893, we take the 
following account of his life: He was born in Manhattan, at 
54th Street, near Tenth Avenue. His father died when he was a 
hoy, and after his school days were over he entered the brewery 



of his uncle, and thoroughly mastered the business. He was sec- 
retary and treasurer of the John Eichler Brewing Company, and 
married the daughter of the millionaire brewer, Ebling. He 
was president of the Brewers' Board of Trade of New York and 
vicinity, and was identified with other important interests. It 
was, however, in his public career that he cut the most distin- 
guished figure. His admirers still hold that, as a man of the 
people, he would have risen, had he lived, to high political station. 
Until he came to the front misgovernment had been very much 
the lot of the "Annexed District." He it was who succeeded, 
after much opposition at Albany, in getting through an act pro- 
viding a separate board of improvements for the district. Under 
this statute the district obtained the power to have its own depart- 
ment of street cleaning and improvement. Toward the expense 
incidental to the passage of this bill he contributed out of his 




LOUIS J. HEINTZ 



own pocket .Uberally. This action in lielialf of the taxpayers of the 
23d and 24th Wards was appreciated ; he was selected as the 
proper man himself to put the law in motion, was nominated 
accordingly as the first Street Commissioner, was endorsed by 
the Taxpayers' Association, the County Democracy and the Re- 
publicans, and triuniphantly elected. His administration — of 
which it was said that, in the discharge of his duty, he did more 
even than the public could reasonably expect — -was interrupted 
by his sudden taking off. His death was due primarily to a 
cold contracted during a trip to Washington for the Cleveland 
inaugural ceremonies. He was taken down while in the capital, 
and was brought home for treatment. An operation for appen- 
dicitis performed upon him was unsuccessful, and he failed to 
recover from the effects of it. He was a member of many or- 
ganizations. He founded the famous Schnorer Club, and was its 
president five terms. He belonged to the Produce Exchange, 
the Central Turn V'ercin, the Lexington Democratic Club, th.e 



280 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



.Vlarmonie Singing Society, the Morrisania Liedertafel, tl'.c 
Arion, the German Press Club, and many more. He is buried in 
Woodlawn. Remembering his devotion to their interests, the 
people of the Bronx still mourn his loss. Some day, perhaps, 
Ihey will give him a public memorial — for certainly he well 
deserves it. 

JOHN H. J. RONNER, Register of the County of New 
York, was born in i860, in New ^ork, withm riHe shot of tne 
new Hall of Records. He attended the public scliools and a 
German-American Academy. Later he established a successful 
'business in the manufacture of office fixtures Having a taste 
for politics, he became the Tammany flail leader in the 23d 
Ward, of which he had become a resident and where he was 
exceedingly popular as a young man. He was one of the or- 
ganizers of the famous Schnorer Club, its first president and 
president for five terms. He also organized the Powhatan Tam- 
many Club. When, m 1890, L^uis J. Heintz, whose campaign 
he managed, was elected Commissioner of Street Improvements 
for the 23d and 24th Vvards, Mr. Roniier became the Deputy 
Commissioner; and under his personal direction the new system 
of street improvements was begun and carried forward which 
has had such beneficial results for Bronx property owners. 
Upon Mr. Heintz's death in 1893 Mr. Ronner resigned his posi- 
tion and resumed his private business. More recently he or- 
ganized the Bronx Club, which has an exceptionally large mem- 
bership and a fine club house ; and its public entertainments have 
been notable in the Bronx. Mr. Ronner has served fully 
four years as Register of New York County. The ability which 
he displayed as Deputy Commissioner has been also displayed 
in the Register's office. His public service has given universal 
satisfaction. The office was never so well administered. Law- 
yers, title companies and persons interested in real estate gen- 
erally, unite in praising the manner in which the work of the 
Register's office has been conducted. He is a member of the 
German Lutheran Church, is of German parentage, and is un- 
married. There are few men in public life who have not been 
subjected somehow or somewhere to criticism ; but Mr. Ronner 
setms to be an exception to the rule. Everybody who knows 
him — and he has a wide circle of acquaintances — speaks well of 
him as a genial and capable man. He is popular in his home 
section, and possesses emphatically the confidence of his neigh- 
bors. He is also well known and highly esteemed throughout 
the city. He is a noted organizer of me(i, and renowned for his 
earnestness and for his careful application to any cause which 
he espouses. 

JONATHAN D. HYATT'S name is a familiar one in the 
Bronx — familiar to the children, to grown-ups and the public 
generally. He is a retired schoolmaster, but this brief state- 
ment hardly expresses, to those unacquainted with the man, his 
real place and standing in the community. The fact is, he re- 
tired last year, 1904, after a continuous service — "long and hon- 
orable" as the phrase is, truly — of forty-seven years as principal 
in the public schools. This year he is 80 years old. When he 
retired thousands gathered to do honor and pay respect to the 
teacher and the man and he was the recipient of valuable gifts — 
sets of scientific books, a costly arm chair, scientific instruments, 
a loving cup, testimonials to his character and ability. His long 
and honorable connection with the public schools of New York 
City began in 1857, when he was appointed to Public School No. 
2 of the Union Free School District of the towns of Morrisania 
and West Farms. This school was later known as No. 63, and is 
now No. 4, the Bronx. For twenty years he was principal of old 
Public School No. 60, College Avenue and 145th Street. During 



the Civil War he was principal of the old Melrose School, Third 
Avenue, near is6th Street, and at the time of the Draft Riots the 
rioters passed his school one recess and carried off all the older 
boys, who. however, escaped later and returned to school. When 
the present building, known as Public School No. 9, the Bronx, 
was opened in June, 1889, he became its principal, and has re- 
mained at the head until 1904. Louis Haflfen, President of the 
Borough of the Bronx ; Theodore Thompson, of the Board of 
Education, and Sidney R. Walker, Chairman of the Local School 
Board, were once pupils of Mr. Hyatt. Mr. Hyatt is thoroughly 
modern in his ideas. He did away with corporal punishment 
in his schools forty years ago. Manual training, nature study 
and cooking lessons were branches whose value he early perceived, 
and after they were introduced into the schools he used to take 
his teachers to his house every Saturday and instruct them in 
the chemistry of foods. He also took them on excursions into 




JONATHAN D. HYATT 

the country for the study of nature. His school building not 
'neing provided with suitable quarters for the teaching of cookery 
,md manual trainmg, he made application for extensions, and 
these were added 10 his school plant. Notwithstanding his exact 
ing duties as principal of a great public school, Mr. Hyatt has 
still found time for advanced scientific studies. He was one of 
the founders of the New York Microscopic Society, and its 
president for several years. In 1879 he was elected fellow of the 
Royal Microscopical Society of London. He was also a member 
of the Torrey Botanical Club, the New York Mineralogical Club 
and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. 
His work as an original investigator has received world-wid': 
recognition. His most important contributions to knowledge are 
his series of articles on the structure and anatomy of the bee, 
which embodied the result of original researches covering a 
period of five years. His work referred principally to the mouth 
and sting It is said to be the first correct investigation along 
these lines, and has proved of inestimable value to bee growers 
throughout the world. Mr. Hyatt was born of Quaker stock in 
Stanford, Dutchess County. N. Y., on July 4. 1825. His father 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



28} 



was James Hyatt, his mother Sarah Deuel, who lived to the 
good ripe age of loi years. His ancestors came from England 
nnd settled in Dorchester. Mass., in 1633. Thomas Hyatt, 
one of them, removed from there to Stamford, Conn., in 
1656. Others of the family migrated to Flushing, L. I., and 
Mamaroneck, and some also settled in Dutchess, Westchester and 
Putnam Counties. State records show that twenty-six Hyatl.> 
fought in the Revolutionary War. The Professor, as they call 
him, lives in a handsome cottage in New Rochelle. He married 
in 1854, Sarah A. N., daughter of Rev. William Grant Heyer. 
They have one child, a daughter, Lucy, now Mrs. V. C. Barlow. 
He has been all his life long a consistent Republican, though 
never a politician. He voted for Fremont in 1856, and has sup- 
ported the national ticket of his party ever since. 

JOHN BAMBEY.— There is perhaps no other branch of 
finance or banking which requires so high a standard of ex- 




JOHN BAMBEY 

ecutive ability and keen judgment as a trust company. As 
a vocation it appeals especially to young men, which is well 
exemplified in the management of the Bronx Branch of the 
Knickerbocker Trust Company." Mr. John Bambey, the man- 
ager, by virtue of bis position and connection with other moneyed 
interests and institutions, is one of the prominent men of the 
Bronx. Like so maiiy notable men of the borough ( those, in 
fact, that have been foremost in its financial development and up- 
lifting) be is still comparatively a young man. He was born 
May 18. 1873, and is therefore not yet thirty-three. He re- 
ceived his education in the public schools of the City of New 
^■nrk. ^Ir B-Tibpv is as=ncinted with a number of large and 
successful corporations. He is treasurer and trustee of the 
North Side Savings Bank, president and director of the Mott 
Haven Apartment Company, president and director of the 
Willis Realty Company, director of the United States Title 



(Guaranty and Indemnity Company, director of the Sound Viev/ 
Land and Improvement Company, and a member of the North 
Side Board of Trade. He figures in fraternal affairs as a mem- 
ber of Benevolent Lodge No. 28, F. and A. M., and Suburban 
Council, No. 1654, Royal Arcanum. He is affiliated socially 
with the Arion Society, and that famous organization for good 
fellowship, the Schnorers of the Bronx. 

GEORGE J. GROSSMAN is a man of prominence in the 
Bronx, both in the business world and in public life. He is the 
president of the United States Title Company, and is in touch 
with other important interests, real estate and financial. Though 
not now actively identified with politics, he has held high office. 
In 1899 he was Bronx representative in the House of Assembly 
in Albany. There he made a record, not only thoroughly "clean," 
but businesslike and effective. Mr. Grossman is a native of the 
city; he was born here in New York (Manhattan) April 14, 
1862. He is of that sturdy, reliable old German stock which 
has contributed so largely to the population and progress of the 
Bronx. He came to this borough to live some twenty years 
ago, not very long after he had finished his course in the College 
of the City of New York. He married here also, March 25, 
i885. Miss Matilda Wilkens. mother of his two sons, Mortimer 
M. and Wallace G. Grossinan. 




EDWARD H. HEALEY 

EDWARD H. HE\LEY, the founder of the Union Repub- 
lican Club and its guiding spirit is very prominent in political 
circles. He is leader of the Thirty-fifth Assembly District and 
mjoys the confidence of his political confreres, as is attested 
by the excellent showing he made in the last municipal cam- 
paign, standing third in percentage in the city. In 1905 he was 
appointed by Governor Higgins to a responsible position undei 
the excise law. 




GEORGE J. GROSSMAN 



HISTrORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



283 



August MOEBUS, the well known ex-Park Commissioner 
of the r.roiix. was l)orn in New Vurk City March ,?, 1850. Re- 
ceiving his early education in the puhlic schools, he entered 
Maine's famous business college, and graduated therefrom with 
honors, having taken a full and thorough commercial course. 
Securing a lucrative position in a broker's office, and serving 
four years, he accepted a position as bookkeeper with a wholesale 
paper warehouse which he occupied for two years, and resigned 




AUGUST MOEEUS 

to serve the United States Government as assistant agent of the 
Revenue Department. Resigning this position, he was employed 
by A. Hupfel & Sons, the prominent brewers of the Bronx, as 
collector, and in a few years was advanced to the position of 
cashier. In this position he exhibited qualities of such ability that 
his opinions and advice upon numerous financial and economical 
questions affecting the business interests of the brewery was ac- 
cepted, and generally proved to be correct. In 1903 he organized 
the Schlater Embroidery Co., in which he is to-day one of its 
nwst prominent factors. A Democrat in politics, and one of the 
unswerving kind, having always manifested a deep interest in 
political affairs Mr. Moebus has received several honors from 
his party, and his political, as well as his high standard of in- 
tegrity, has been endorsed and approved by his constituents on 
various occasions when his party called upon him to serve the 
people by accepting a public trust. For instance in 1889, he was 
urged to accept the nomination for Alderman, in order to save 
the party from numerous defeats it had sustained in his Alder- 
manic district for several terms previous. He accepted, and was 
elected over two other nominees. Votes — (3d term) renomin- 
ated in the fall of 1890 by 1268 votes, elected by 1084, renominated 
in the fall of 1891, but suffered defeat. He was elected leader of 
his district by Democratic General Committee of Tammany Hall 
in 1896, and continued as leader until the fall of 1902, and dur- 
ing the administration of Mayor Van Wiyck was appointed by 
the latter as Park Commissioner of the Bronx, and served 
honorably and faithfully during the whole term of the Mayor, 
froiu 1898 until 1902. Mr. Moebus is a member of the N. Y. A. 
C, the Allegheny Democratic Club, the A. O. U. W., Knights of 
Honor, a brave man of the Knights of Pythias, a member of the 



Masonic Order, also of the Melrose Turn Verein, Union Lieder- 
tafel and many other societies. On September 26, 1881, he 
married Miss Clara .Schlater, of Manhattan, and has five promis- 
ing children, all living, viz. : Charles A., Sophia, August C, Lil- 
lian and Nettie. 

HON. HENRY C. SCHRADER— Hon. Henry C. Schrader 
Commissioner of Parks in the Bronx Borough, was bom 
and educated in Germany in 1853. He came to the United 
States in 1869, and removed into the Bronx in 1872, and was em- 
ployed by the celebrated firm of Fleishman & Co. He represented 
their interests above the Harlem River for several years, where 
lie established the foundation of their famous business. In 1884 
he became connected with the John Eichler Brewing Co., and 
was very successful as outside agent for this large and popular 
brewing establishment. In 1900 he became identified with vari- 
ous other financial and business interests. In the real estate 
business he was an active promoter, with offices in the Park Row 
Building, where he becaiue an active and important factor in 
real estate transactions throughout the Boroughs of Manhattan. 




HON. HENRY C. SCHRADER 

Mr. Schrader is a member of and was for five years President 
of the Schnorer Club, the leading social organization of the 
Bronx. He was a member of the Arion Liedertafel since 1879; 
is a charter member of the Tallapoosa Club, a member of the 
German Press Club, and of Wieland Lodge, F. and A. M., 
and has been District Deputy of the Knights of Pythias. In 
politics he has always been a staunch and loyal Democrat, a 
faithful adherent of Tammany Hall, a member of the German 
Democracy since 1879, and from the leadership of John Kelly 
in Tammany Hall, down to that of the present leader, Charles 
1". Murphy, he has been one of the most prominent organization 



284 



HISTORY OP BRONX BOROUGH 



Democrats in the party; was vice-chairman of the General Com- 
mittee of the Thirty-fourth Assembly District. North Side. In 
1882, he, with other prominent citizens of the Bronx, organized 
the first taxpa,yers' association from which has sprung the pre- 
sent Taxpayers' Alliance, one of the strongest and most power- 
ful organizations in the Bronx. A resident of the Borough of 
the Bronx for the past 33 years, and but recently honored for 
his valuable services and loyally to the Democratic party, by 
his appointment as Park Commissioner by Mayor George B. 
McClellan, which has received the approval of the people of the 
Bronx, and the Democratic party of Greater New York. On 
March 2$, 1880. Mr. Schrader was married to Miss Bertha 
Siemes, a lady of culture and refinement, and has two children, 
Henry C, Jr., and Lulu 11. As Park Commissioner of the 
Bronx, with his well known executive ability and his large ex- 
perience as a thorough business man, the people of the Bronx 
are to be congratulated upon the wise selection for this im- 
portant position made by the mayor. 

PATRICK J. REVILLE, Borough Superintendent of Build- 
ings, is a native of New York City. He is still a young man, 
but with a record of useful service in public and private life 
that places him among the prominent and most highly respected 
citizens of the Bronx. Mr. Reville's success in business and as 
a public official in charge of one of the most important depart- 
ments of our borough government, affords another proof that 
the very best endowment for a young man who in America 
must carve his own fortune is pluck, integrity, industry and 
good common sense. After graduating from the public schools 
the subject of our sketch prepared himself for his chosen pro- 
fession of builder and architect by pursuing a course of special 
study in architectural drawing at the Bronx evening school. 
From this school he graduated with high honors. Among the 
distinctions and prizes he won was the much coveted Beal Medal 
for architectural drawing and general excellence in technical 
studies. Immediately after leaving school Mr. Reville began 
his career as a builder and mason and achieved a success sc. 
marked that very few of our citizens have been more closely 
identified with the great building operations which have accom 
panied the remarkable development of the Bron.x within the 
past fifteen years. For several years Mr. Reville filled the re 
sponsible position of superintendent for the well known con- 
tracting firm of Thomas Cockrill & Son. While connected 
with Cockrill & Son, he supervised the construction of many 
public school buildings, besides a number of apartment houses 
and business structures. In the late nineties Mr. Reville went 
into the contracting business on his own account and his en- 
ergy and fidelity to every obligation met with merited success. 
He built the rectory of SS. Peter and Paul's Church, the Bar- 
ry apartment houses on the northeast corner of 167th Street 
and Fulton Avenue ; the Kingston apartment houses and many 
similar structures in the Bronx and Manhattan. When in 1892 
the American Building Company was awarded the contract to 
erect the American Bank Note Building on Library and Fourth 
Streets, Philadelphia (one of the best specimens of fire-re- 
sisting buildings in the LTnited States), Mr. Reville accepted an 
offer to take charge of the work as superintendent and for 
nearly a year he was engaged on this enterprise. Mr. Re- 
ville's training and experience fitted him most admirably for the 
post of Borough Superintendent of Buildings. His appoint- 
ment was announced by President Haffen in 1903, to fill the va- 
cancy caused by the resignation of Mr. M. J. Garvin, and was 
approved by the entire community as an ideal selection for a 



most responsible position. As superintendent of buildings, Mr. 
Rexille's administration is characterized by a conscientious and 
efficient discharge of his public duties. Builders and property 
owners conmiend him for his fair and impartial methods and 
for the promptness with which the business of his department 
is transacted. The Bronx boom of the past eighteen months 
has more than doubled the operations of the Building Bureau, 
but so well is the superintendent's staff of clerks, examiners and 
inspectors organized, that the augmented volume of business 
is handled without irritating delays and in a manner which 
merits the praise that is bestowed by the architects and 
builders of the borough. During 1904, 2,336 plans were filed 
will] the bureau for new buildings and alterations, of an ag- 




PATRICK J. REVILLE 

pregate estimated cost of $23,923,418. This is by far the largest 
volume of building business in the history of the Bronx, and not 
a reasonable complaint has been heard of favoritism, delay or 
obstruction in passing on the plans or in applying the building 
laws and ordinances. Superintendent Reville brings to the dis- 
charge of his duties a combination of rugged honesty, rare ex- 
ecutive ability and practical knowledge of architecture and 
building that greatly facilitates the vv-ork of his department and 
accounts in a large degree for his success. An evidence of the 
esteem in which Superintendent Reville is held was afforded 
when on Tuesday evening, January 31, he was the guest of honor 
at a banquet given at the Hotel Astor by the architects and 
builders of the Bronx, and was presented with a massive silver 
service as a token of appreciation of the impartiality, integrity 
and efficiency which characterize his administration. Mr. Re 
ville is married and is a resident of the Thirty-fifth Assembly 
District. Without being in the ordinary sense a politician he 
is a Democrat of the Jeffersonian type, who believes in his 
party and in every legitimate way labors for its success. He is 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



285 



a memuer of the Brownson Club, Bronx Council. K. O. C, 
Jefferson Club, Bricklayers' Union No. 33, 'g8 Club, Elsmcrc 
Club, Bricklayers and Masons International Union, Schnorer 
Club, Tilden Democratic Club and the Tammany Hall General 
Committee of the Thirty-fifth Assembly District. 

GEORGE VON SK.A-L. residing at uSi; Prospect Avenue, 
was born in Silesia, Germany, July 30, 1854, and was educated al 
the Royal Military Academy, from which he graduated in 1871. 
He served in the army as second lieutenant until 1877. In Feb- 
ruary, 1877, he came to America where he taught languages, 
After obtaining a good knowledge of English he got employment 
at a bookkeeper in a woodenware house in Manhattan, and re- 
mained in that occupation until 1885. In 1881 he moved up to 
the Borough of the Bronx. From 1885 to 1888 he was employed 
in a large export and import commission house, and later on 
went with a Japanese importer of silks. He became attached to 
the editorial staff of the "New Yorker Staats Zeitung," and in 
1899 was made managing editor. He was employed in that 
capacity until his appointment ])y Mayor McCIellan to the office 




GEORGE VON SKAL 

of Commissioner of Accounts in March, 1906. In 1885 he 
moved from the Bronx to Staten Island, later removing to Man- 
hattan, where he resided until 1905, when he purchased his present 
residence in Prospect Avenue, in the Bronx, where he has since 
resided. In politics he is a Democrat of independent proclivities. 
In social life he is active, being a member of the German Liter- 
ary Society of Morrisania, Arion Society, Liederkranz, Eichen- 
kranz. New York Turn Verein, German Press Club — of which 
be was president four years — honorary member of the German 
Society, Columbia University, the German Veterans' Society, 
the Staten Island Council, R. A. On August 4, 1881, he married 
Miss Johanna Minholz, of Philadelphia, Pa., the result of the 
imion being two children, George and Richard. Mr. Von ' Skal 
has written many essays on American conditions for the German 
people both here and abroad — in papers, magazines, and short 
stories. Fie has recently published a collection of short stories 
iiy himself, which he called "Flashlights," and which is now 
running through a .second edition. At present he is writing a 
book on the United States, the American people, and American 
politics for Germans. 



JAMES BUCKHOUT, educator and one of the famous 
principals of the public schools in the Bronx, was born in New 
York City November 14, 1833. He attended school in the Mott 
Haven district, walking back and forth for three miles from his 
home, finally entered the New York State Normal School, Al- 
bany, where at the age of 19 he graduated with high honors, 
e.xcelling in mathematics and chemistry, and immediately went 
to Poughkeepsie, where for two years he taught school. In 
1854 he came to the Bronx and was appointed principal of the 
old Fordham District School, where he successfully taught until 
1875, and was then placed in charge of School No. 65 at West 
Farms, where he remained until his sudden death from pneu- 
monia, which took place April 28, 1904, after only a five days' 
illness. In his death Westchester County lost one of its most 
popular and brilliant educators. His manly physiciue, gentle 
voice, generous heart, but firm and resolute character, coupled 
with his great success as an educator is enshrined in the hearts 
of hundreds of his old pupils who have grown to manhood and 
womanhood and now occupy positions of trust and conducting 
business in the mercantile branches of the Bronx. His father 
and grandfather were both born in New York City and came 
with them to Westchester County in 1835, securing for farm 
purposes a tract of land bounded on the east side of Webster 
Avenue and by 179th Street and Burnside Avenue on the north, 
which is now Monroe Avenue on the West and 176th Street on 
the South. The old hoiuestead, a two-story frame building of 
twelve rooms, was located in Echo Park. Professor Buckhout 
was a devout man and attended the Tremont M. E. Church. He 
was married November 22, 1864, to Miss Sarah E. Fisher, now 
his estimable widow, who survives him. There were seven chil- 
dren of this marriage, viz. : Maria, now Mrs. Brenkerhofif, 
James. Frank C, William H., Abbie L. now Mrs. E. W. Mans- 
field; Charles S., who died January 19, 1881, five and a half years 
old, and Sadie E., now Mrs. Eugene Stevens. He was a mem- 
ber of Ihe Botanical Society, charter member of the North Sile 
Board of Trade and a Knight Templar. The homestead occu- 
pied by the professor at 615 Tremont Avenue, where his family 
still resides, is a two and one-half story building, colonial 
architecture, contains twenty rooms, the first story being of 
granite and its dimensions 40x60. was designed by his son, who 
is one of the most promising architects in the Bronx. 

HON. JOHN B. HASKIN.— Among the political leaders 
of Westchester County a prominent place must be given to 
the late John B. Haskin, who was descended from a long line 
of true American ancestry. His grandfather, Benjamin F. Has- 
kin, was a native of Sheffield, Mass., where he was born in 
1767, and removed when a young man to Poughkeepsie, where 
he entered a store as clerk and became partner. He married 
Elizabeth, daughter of Gilbert Cromwell, who lived at Nine 
Partners, and removing to New York became largely connected 
with shipping interests and the owner of several vessels. His 
children were Henry B., Benjamin F., a sea captain, who set- 
tled in Peru, where his descendants are still found; William 
E., of Davenport, Iowa, who died in 1884; Harriet, wife 
of Collins: Maria, wife of Graham; Janj 

Caspar Trumpy, now living at Greenwich. Conn. ; and Caroline, 
wife of William Brown, of Yonkers, who died in 1885. Henry 
R. Haskin, the oldest son, was born October 27, 1794, and died 
January 24, 1848. He was educated at St. Mary's College, Mary- 
land; was a midshipman in the war of 1812; was with Commo- 
dore Chauncey at the battle of Sackett's Harbor, and was 
wounded there. He was a man of good education and ability 
and established business in a store on Varick Street, New York 




ROBERT C. WOOD 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



287 



City. In 1816 he married Elizabeth, daughter of John Bussing, 
who lived near VVilliamsbridge, and was a descendant of Aaron 
Bussing, who came from Holland, and settled at Harlem. He 
was the owner of a farm of four hundred acres in the Manor 
of Fordham, which he left to his two sons, Johannes and 
Petrus. It remained in the hands of their descendants for one 
hundred and fifty years, and a portion of it now is Bedford 
Park. The children of this marriage were Henry R., who 
died in California ; John B. and William E., treasurer of the 
Board of Excise in New York City. After the death of Mrs. 
Haskin, Mr. Haskin was married a second time to Anna, 
daughter of Benjamin F. Lowe, and they had two children — 
Harriet, wife of R. Ridgely Wheatley, of New York, and Ben- 
jamin F., a member of the Excise Board of New York, 
who died, , greatly lamented by his many friends, March 
I. 1884. John B. Haskins, the second son, was born at the 
m.Tnsion house in Fordham, August 27, 1821, the place of his 




HON. JOHN B. HASKIN 

birth being now a portion of Woodlawn Cemetery. His mother, 
whose name he never failed to mention in terms of the ut- 
most respect and affection, was a woman of great energy and 
determuiation, qualities which she transmitted to her son. His 
early education was received at the public schools, and when 
fourteen years old he entered the law office of George Wilson. 
His natural quickness and ability were such that in 
four years he was sufficiently expert to take charge of 
the law office of John M. Bixby. From his earlier days 
he was brought in constant contact with politics and politicians, 
and having passed the requisite examination he was admit- 
ted to the bar May 16, 1842, his certificate being signed 
by Hon. Samuel Nelson, Judge of the Supreme Court. 
Five years later he was elected to the office of civil jus- 
tice and held court at the corner of Bowery and Third 
Street, continuing in this position until 1849, when the office was 
abolished. He seemed naturally destined for active political 
ilfc, and his influence and ability were soon felt in the coun- 



cils of his party. Fortunately for himself and the public, he 
was not a man to be bound by party trammels or to be the ob- 
sequious slave of party rule. In 1848 Mr. Haskin removed from 
New York and settled at Fordham, near the scenes of his early 
childhood. The Democracy of his native county had to some 
cxient escaped the corrupting influences which had made 
the party in New York a disgrace to the city and State. Here 
he came in contact with a class of politicians who were 
more able to appreciate his true position and ready to join 
their forces to his own. In 1850 he was elected Supervisor, 
and was re-elected, and one of his many acts for the public 
benefit was his successful efTort to erect a free bridge over the 
tiarlem River. In 1853 he was appointed corporation attorney 
and held office until 1856. In that year he was electeu iviember 
of Congress for the Ninth District on the regular Democratic 
ticket. It was soon evident that he was not the man to sit in 
the back seat. His first speech attracted at once the atention of 
the House, being made in opposition to the attempt of Alexander 
H. Stephens to disgrace Admiral Hiram Paulding for causing 
the arrest of the noted filibuster, William H. Walker. This 
speech marked Mr. Haskin as one of the accomplished orators 
of the House. In the fierce political strife which followed the at- 
tempt to introduce slavery into the territory of Kansas, he took 
at once a prominent position, and was one of the first to raise 
his voice against the Lecompton fraud, among the most active of 
the adherents of Senator Stephen A. Douglas, and an untiring 
organizer of the Democrats in the House against the administra- 
tion. As a matter of course, a man who ventured to kick over 
the traces of party discipline was speedily denounced as a traitor 
to his party, but his opposition to James Buchanan has been 
more than justified by the impartial verdict of history. In 1858 
Mr. Haskin was an independent candidate for Congress, his op- 
ponent being Gouverneur Kemble, of Cold Spring. This was 
probably the most exciting political contest ever witnessed in 
the district, and resulted in the election of Mr. Haskin by a 
majority of thirteen votes. His nature showed itself when he 
stated from his seat in Congress, "I come here with no party 
collar on my neck." His independence was too plain to be mis- 
understood, and an attack upon him in the personal organ of 
President Buchanan was nurtured by him in an able speech on 
the floor of the House, in which his position and relation to the 
Democratic party were fully explained. "I am a Democrat — 
a Democrat in essence, in substance, and not in mere form; 
Democracy, according to my reading, is the rule of the people 
under the laws." In the Thirty-sixth Congress he was chair- 
man of the committee on public printing and organized the re- 
search into current corruption known as the "Covode Investiga- 
tion." Among his most intimate friends was Senator Brod- 
crick, of Califorjiia, who had been his early schoolmate, and the 
friendship then begun continued until the day when the Senator 
fell the victim of a duel occasioned by political animosity. 
It devolved upon Mr. Haskin to deliver a fitting tribute to the 
memory of his friend, which was a masterpiece of pathetic elo- 
quence. His last speech in Congress was delivered February 23, 
i85i. It was a characteristically bold and clear review of the 
agitation which led to the great crisis in our history; expressed 
his belief that the perilous condition of the countrj' was direct- 
ly traceable to the conduct of President Buchanan, and con- 
tained a scathing denunciation of the treasonable acts of his 
cabinet. During the course of the war a weaker man in his po- 
sition would have been a "copperhead," but in Mr. Haskin the 
Union found a strong supporter. In 1863 he was elected super- 
visor of the town of West Farms, and conducted with suc- 
cess the measures for raising troops and assisting the govern- 
ment in its efforts to subdue rebellion. Prominently identified 



288 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



with all local improvements, his most active efforts were devoted 
to the LStablishiiient of the public school in his district on a 
sure foundation. In the face of bitter opposition on the part 
of many of the wealthy men in the vicinity, he succeeded in pro- 
curing the erection of the present school building at Webster 
Avenue and Welsh Street, Kordham, at a cost of $70,000, which 
must ever remain a monument to his energy and public spirit. 
Mr. Haskin married Jane, daughter of Peier Valentine, a repre- 
sentative of one of the oldest families in the county. Their 
children are Elizabeth, wife of L. V. Welsh; Emma, wife of 
Colonel J. Milton Wyatt ; John B., Jr.; Adele Douglass, wife 
of Joseph Murray ; and Mary. The estate of Mr. Haskin, at 
Fordham, though now a part of the great city, has not yet lost 
its rural beauty. Here, surrounded by all that could make life 
enjoyable, he passed his life in the society of his family and 
friends. The visitor found there as his host one who wa- thor- 
oughly versed in the ways of the world, and whose intimate ac- 
quaintance with politics and politicians made the name "Tuscarora 
Haskin" one of the best known in Westchester County. As a 
politician .Mr. Haskin was remarkably successful, but the secret 
of his success and inlluence may be stated in a few words. Ut- 
terly fearless in the expression of his views, his friends knew 
him as one upon whom they could depend, while his enemies 
found in him a man who could neither be frightened nor 
cajoled. A weak politician of an inferior grade will truckle to 
his adversaries and strive to conciliate by unworthy means. Mr. 
Haskin was the type of politician who boldly defied his oppo- 
nents and challenged them to a contest which they generally 
had the prudence to avoid. Among the notable instances of his 
traits may be mentioned his fearless letter to the authorities of 
St. John's College of Fordham, representatives of a power tc 
which weaker politicians would have yielded with obsequious 
reverence, while his bold and scathing rebukes of many of the 
prominent politicians of the present lime are too well known 
to require mention, and his firm self-reliance has shown by its 
success the truth of the saying "They can conquer who be- 
lieve they can." 

MATTHEW J. HARRINGTON, a prominent politician 
and business man, was born in New York City on April 11, 1867, 
and received a public school education, aftei which he started 
business life as an inspector for the Law Telephone Company, 
which was absorbed by the Metropolitan Telephone Company 
and which is now known as the New York Telephone Company. 
He remained in their employ for a long time. He discovered 
himself to be the possessor of a rare talent which fitted him for 
a stage life, which he followed successfully for a number of 
years. He was well liked and looked up to by his professional 
associates and in May, 1894, to better their conditions and to 
put a check on unscrupulous managers, he organized the Actors' 
National Union of America. In 1895 he was elected the general 
organizer of the United States for the American Federation of 
Labor. He resigned in 1896 to become the head of the Labor 
Bureau of the Republican National Committee. There Mr. 
Harrington showed himself to be worthy of his trust. He put 
the department through a thorough reorganization and his good 
work was in no small way responsible for the result of the presi- 
dential elections of 1900 and 1904. Early in 1897 he became 
the manager of the Legate Stone Company, which had its yards 
and headquarters in the Port Morris section of the Bronx. Four 
years later he entered into partnership with Mr. C. D. Coram 
in the business of general contractor. In February. 1903, Mr. 
Coram retired and Mr. Harrington reorganized the business and 
formed a corporation known as the Harrington Contracting and 
Supply Company, of which he is now the president. Mr. Har- 



rington did a large portion of the cement work on the new sub- 
way system and is recognized to be an expert on cement as well 
as being an adept in all the details pertaining to that line of 
business. He is also identified with several other business enter- 
prises. Mr. Harrington is very popular and prominent in poli- 
tics. In igoo he was nominated for the office of State Senator 
from the Twenty-first Senatorial District, New York, on the Re- 
publican ticket and was defeated only after a very close and 
exciting contest in a Democratic stronghold. In the same year 
he was elected president of the Republican Speakers' League 
of the United States, an organization with a membership of 
several thousand, representing every section of the country. Dur- 
ing the 1905 election, Mr. Harrington did some strenuous work 
in behalf of Mayor McClellan and President Haffen. He mar- 
ried Miss Carrie F. O'Brien on the 12th of October, 1896, by 
whom he became the father of two children. Both died in in- 




MATTHEW J. HARRINGTON 

fancy. Mr. Harrington is a member of the St. Roch's Church 
and St. Roch's Lyceum, of the North Side Board of Trade, 
K. and P., the Bunker Hill Club and the Republican Club of the 
Thirty-fourth .Assembly District. He has been a resident of the 
Borough of the Bronx for over eight yaers and takes an active 
interest in everything that is propagated for the public welfare. 
He is a man of exceptional qualities and has never been known 
to break a promise. 

ROBERT C. WOOD is a banker and broker of the Wall 
Street district, established at 30 Broad Street. He lives in the 
Bronx — in fact, has been a resident of the borough about all his 
life. He was born in New York Dec. 7, i85g, and received his 
early schooling in private institutions. He passed his academic 
years at Lawrenceville, New Jersey, and proceeded from there 
to Harvard University, where he received his degree in 1892. 
Since then he har> been engaged in business as aforesaid. Mr, 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



289 



Wood is a bachelor. He gives his allegiance to the Democratic 
party in politics, though he has never been an aspirant for oflice. 
He belongs to the Schnorers. the Fordhani and other Bronx 
organizations, to the Democratic Club, the Manhattan Club down 
town, and to a number of other organizations. 

JOHN H. KNOEPPEL, a noted business and pitblic man 
of the Mott Haven district of the Bronx, was born in this city 
in 1848. He was educated in Public School No. i, Mott Haven, 
wliicli, at the time, pursued a course of study almost equivalent 
to the present high school course. Mr. Knocppcl is of Peter 




JOHN H. KNOEPPEL 

.Schneider's Sons & Co., 231 and 2;};} Fourth Avenue, leaders in 
that line here with trade all over the Union. He is a Bronx 
pioneer, having settled, with his parents, in that section as long 
ago as 1850. A Republican on national issues, he is accorded 
the following non-partisan public services : As a member of the 
".Joint Committee" took prominent part in arousing public senti- 
ment in favor of abolishing the control of the Department of Pub- 
lic Parks over the public improvements in the Twenty-third and 
Twenty-fourth Wards (Bronx), and in lodging its powers, so 
far as they related to these wards, in the hands of Commissioner 
of Street Improvements; was one of the leading speakers before 
the Legislative Committee in 1889 and 1890 on that subject, re- 
sulting in the passage of Chapter 545, Ltws of 1890, which pro- 
vided for the election of a Commissioner of Street Improve- 
ments; was the chairman of the Citizens' Local Improvement 
Parly, resulting in the election in i8go of its candidate, Louis J. 
lleintz as the first Commissioner of Street Improvements; is 
the author of many laws affecting the public welfare of the 
Bronx, notably that for the Willis Avenue Bridge; that for the 
laying out of the Grand Boulevard and Concourse; that provid- 
ing for discontinuing and closing streets, alleys, lanes, etc., this 
later law being more generally known as the "Strip Bill," because 



it also provided for the disposition of strips of land that were 
left lying in front of property when the lines of old streets were 
changed. Mr. Knoeppel has held no public office, except that 
of commissioner in condemnation proceedings of the Grand 
Boulevard and Concourse, and this appointment he was only in- 
duced to accept at the g^ricral request of the citizens of the 
Bronx. Mr. Knoeppel is a member of the Schnorer and Ford- 
ham Club, and the North Side Republican Club, the Melrose 
Furn Verein, the F. and A. M.. and Knights of Honor. He 
was married in 1871 to Miss Louise M. liornberger. They have 
been blest with four children, all boys. 

EUGENE J. McGUIRE.— Who docs not know Eugene Mc- 
(juire? Not to know of him in the Bronx argues one"s-self. 
to say the least, "unknown." Not a Democrat at all events, in or 
out of the organization liut knows him; nobody, man, woman or 
child in the Thirty-fourth District. North Side, but can tell you 
he is leader there, though he holds no official position himself. 
The private station for him, for, though a leader. Mr. McGuire 
does not court notoriety. Briefly, then, a word concerning him. 
He was born in Harlem in 1864 — say forty years ago. He at- 
tended public school in that division of the city, and having 
graduated therefrom, went dirLClly into busmess. At present he 
is proprietor of the cafe at O18 East 138th Street, one of the 
popular resorts of the Bronx. He has lived in the borough 
about eight years. Fie is a man of family, with a wife, Mrs. 
Ellen Rose, whom he married in July. 1903, and three children, 
Edward and Jenne stepchildren, and Florence. He belongs, of 
course, ro a number of or.gani/ations, ihe Eugene J. AIcGuire Asso- 
ciation, which is named after him and fnr wlrch he stands 




EUGENE J. MC OUIRE 

sponsor, and the Executive Committee of Tammany Hall, the 
Elks and the Eagles, the Schnorer Club of the Bronx, the Mott 
Haven Athletic Club, the Brownson Catholic Club and many 
more. Many and varied are the requisites of leadership. It is 
a position not ea.sy to attain and difficult to hold. He must 
be shrewd who accepts it we know ; a man of brains, courage, 
energy — tireless in point of fact : a good fellow withal, obliging, 
generous, self-sacrificing. .-Xbove all he must have the friend- 
ship, confidence and respect of his following. And it must be 
because he possesses these very qualifications for leadership that 
Eugene J. McGuire is what he is. 



290 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



MICHAEL JOHN GARVIN, architect, of 3307 Third Ave- 
nue, is the son of Patrick and Ann Garvin, natives of Ireland, 
both now deceased. He himself was born at Grove Hill, Mor- 
risania, January 31, 1861, and has been a life-long resident of 
the city. He is a graduate of the borough public schools, and of 
Manhattan College. After leaving school he was, for some 
time, connected with Joseph M. Dunn, who had been with Ren- 
nick & Sands, architects of St. Patrick's Cathedral. Mr. Garvin 
has been secretary to the President of the Borough and was the 
first Commissioner of Puiildings for the Hrnnx. He was also 




MICHAEL JOHN GARVIN 

the architect of the Bronx Borough Public Buildings. He is a 
Tammany Hall Democrat, a member of the Jefferson, Schnorf' 
and Tallapoosa Clubs, the Elsmere Bowling Club, the Bunker 
Hill -Association, the "Gentlemen's Sons," the Brownson Catholic 
Club, the Knights of Columbus and the Property Owners' Asso- 
ciation of the Twenty-third Ward. He married, September, 1894. 
Miss Catherine Cronk and has two children, both sons. 

FREDERICK FOLZ, deceased banker of the Bronx, was 
for fully twenty-five years before his demise, which occurred in 
1901, one of the most distinguished citizens of this section of 
Greater New York. He was of notfe particularly among the 
German stock of this borough, as a worker for its material de- 
velopment, and as a School Trustee gave much of his time to the 
cause of education. He was born in New York and, as a gradu- 
ate of the public schools himself, took great pride in them. He 
was a staunch Democrat, active in the party councils and partv 
organization, and had been a resident of this part of the city 
since 1866. His sudden death occurred while driving with his 
wife near Coblcskill, N. Y., in the latter part of the summer of 
IQOI ; the cause was apoplexy. He was a Director of the Ger- 
mania Bank at the time of his death. A widow, who was Miss 
Susannah S. Kirkham before their marriage, and five children. 
William, Arthur. Eleaiiore, Madeline, and Henry, survive him. 

CHARLES EISHLEY MINOR.— A lesson there is for as- 
[liring youth — a very excellent example of opportunity embraced 
and success achieved early in life, in the career of the Bronx 
banker, Mr. Charles Fishley Minor, a gentleman still on the 
sunny side of 30, yet holding, not one alone, but a number of 
responsible places. Mr. Minor was born July 14, 1878, making 
him, at this writing, not long past 27. He was educated in 



London at Kimberley House Schools and Stockwell College, and 
there received that thorough old country schooling which has 
stood him in such good stead, and doubtless been an important 
factor in his advancement. Mr. Minor began his business career 
as a youth in a sporting goods house. He abandoned that line 
to accept a position as private secretary. This place he held 
until February, 1899, and then resigned it to enter the employ- 
ment of the Knickerbocker Trust Co. at 66 Broadway. Here 
practically his experience of financial concerns began. In July, 
1900, hardly a year and a half later, at the age of 22, he was 
offered the position of assistant cashier of the Washington Bank 
here and accepted it. In January, 1902, he was elected cashier 
of that institution, and when, in February, 1903, the Washington 
Bank was taken over by the Knickerbocker Trust Co., to be 
operated as its Bronx Branch, he was retained as assistant man- 
ager, which post he still holds. Mr. Minor is besides treasurer 
of the Willis Realty Co., secretary and treasurer of the Mott 
Haven Apartment Co., assistant manager of the Knickerbocker 
Safe Deposit Co., Bronx Branch, first vice-president of New 
York Chapter American Institute of Bank Clerks, a member of 
the North Side Board of Trade, and has been a notary public 
since 1903. He is a bachelor and affiliated as a member of the 
Protestant Episcopal Church. 

W. R. MONTGOMERY, manager of the Tremont and 
Seventh Avenue branches of the Hamilton Bank of New York 
City, established in 1888, and one of the strongest financial in- 
stitutions in Greater New York; both of the above branches 
were opened by Mr. Montgomery. The substantial business of 
the Hamilton Bank and the high esteem in which Mr. Mont- 
gomery is held for his activity and conservatism in the Borough 
of the Bronx, speak for themselves. 

GEORGE F. A. OLT, from School No. 60, College Avenut 
and 145th Street, under the tutelage of that famous Principal 
Jonathan D. Hyatt, to the general management of the Bronx 
Branch of the Germania Bank, capital $1,000,000, we find George 
F. A. Olt an example of what pluck, energy, strict integrity and 
close application to duty will accomplish. Born October 23, 1873, 
a resident of the Bronx for thirty-one years, Mr. Olt undoubtedly 
was the architect of his own fortune. After leaving the fostering 
care of Principal Hyatt it the age of 13, he entered the employ 
of that well knoun firm, Wilson, Adams & Co., one of the larg- 
est dealers in lumber of Greater New York. In 1887 he entered 
the employ of Charles Field Griffin & Co., on Fifth Avenue and 
Forty-second Street, and in 1890 became associated with the 
Germania Bank, of which he is now the general manager of the 
Bronx branch. The Germania Bank is one of the strongest 
financial institutions in the city. It first opened business in May, 
1869, at 185 Bowery. In 1876 it moved its premises to 215 
I'owery, and in 1890 its success was established and its officers 
erected the large and handsome building it now occupies at Nos. 
190, 192 and 194 Bowery. In July, 1904, a branch was opened at 
First Avenue and Seventy-seventh Street, and in June, 1904, the 
Bronx branch was opened at 155th Street and Third Avenue and 
i\Ir. Olt made its general manager. On June 10, 1901, Mr. 01: 
married Qiarlotte A. Lerch, only daughter of John Lerch, a well 
known and highly respected citizen of the Bronx. The gentleman 
has never aspired to any political or social prominence, althougii 
he is a member in high standing of Architect Lodge, No. 519, F. 
and A. M., and Suburban Council, No. 1354. Royal Arcanum. 
Since the opening of the branch of the Germania in the Bronx, 
Mr. Olfs striking personality, his well known financial ability 
and his practical business methods have secured to the institu- 
tion an extraordinary amount of patronage in the line of sub- 
stantial deposits. •. _ 





W. R. MONTGOMERY 



FREDERICK FOLZ 





OEORGE F. A. OLT 



CHARLES FISHLEY MINOR 



CHAPTER XLIII 



MANUFACTURING AND INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISES 



The Bronx a Center of Commercial Activity — Marvelous Growth Shown in the Leading: Channels of Manufactures 



CENTRAL UNION GASLIGHT COMPANY.— It is 
fitting that in the history of the borough should be told the 
doings of its industries. The growth of a community and its 
progress depend in no little degree upon the push, energy and 
broad minded policies of the men at the head of its great cor- 
porations. And this is especially true of such as administer to 
the necessities of the public at large — to its transportation and 
lighting facilities. The growth of the lower end of Westches- 
ter County is in a large measure due to the organization of 
the Westchester County Gas Light Company. This company 
was incorporated June 30, 1859, and secured a charter which 



continuous supply of gas to the consumers of its district; the 
"Gas Company" therefore, is one of the very oldest of incorpo- 
rated companies now doing business in the Borough of the 
Bronx. It has had as officers and directors, as well as stock- 
holders, men whose names have been prominent in the affairs 
of the old county, and later of the wards and borough. Its 
first president was Robert Campbell, and its first secretary J. 
D. Corlies. About 1866 the company secured the services of 
Mr. William R. Beal, as secretary. Later Mr. Beal became presi- 
dent and for many years continued to be the president and man- 
ager of the company. L'nder his direction and energetic over- 




Central Union Gaslight Company's Cffice Building, 142d Street and Alexander Avenue 



was filed with the Secretary of State July 18, 1859. The five 
men mentioned as directors are as follows: Benjamin M. Whit- 
lock, James M. Rogers, Charles Bathgate, John M. Beck. 
Robert Campbell. The object of the corporation, as mentioned 
in its charter, is "For the purpose of manufacturing and sup- 
plying gas for lighting the streets and public and private build- 
ings in the town of Morrisania, or in any or all other towns 
of the said County of Westchester, under the regulations of 
the said company." Beginning the erection of a gas plant 
as soon after incorporation as possible, the new and en 
ergetic company was speedily supplying gas to the community. 
In all the years that have followed since its inception, this 
company and its successors have furnished an unfailing and 



sight the company rapidly built up a reputation in the gas 
fraternity for efficiency and progressiveness. It has always 
been foremost in the march of improvements, not only within 
its own works and office, but in the outside community as well. 
Not only has it striven to secure business in all the settled 
streets, but it has continually pushed out its mains into outly- 
ing territory, inviting the erection of houses and stores by its 
presence with the needed and necessary supply of light and 
fuel. It may be justly said that the rapid growth of the Bronx 
is largely owing to this energy and foresight in providing an 
advance supply of gas. In 1875, when the town of Morrisania 
and West Farms were annexed to the City of New York, the 
name of the company, "Westchester County Gas Light Com- 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



293 



paiiy," became ubsolete, and it was changed by order of the 
Supreme Court to "The Central Gas Light Company of New 
York Cily." '1 his name was given because the territory then 
supplied by its mains, viz., the Twenty-third Ward, was longi- 
tudmally considered the centre of New York City. '1 hi^ name 
llie company bore until August, 1S97, when it was again 
changed to the one it now bears, "Central Union Gas Com- 
pany." rile company has for nia.iy years pursued a very lib- 
eral policy in connection with the rental and loan of gas 
ranges, as well as selling them upon the instalment plan to its 
consumers. '1 his feature has proven popular with the company's 
many customers who have availed themselves of it and has re- 
sulted in a substantial increase in the use of gas for fuel, with 
a corresponding advantage to the consumers. In view of the 
present epoch of high prices for everything we eat, wear and 
enjoy, in rents, breadstuffs and clothing, it is refreshing to look 
down through the ledgers of the gas company and note the 
.steadily decreasing prices which they have asked for their pro- 
duct ; the original cost of five dollars per thousand cubic feet, 
makes the present price of one dollar seem modest indeed. In 
no other necessity of daily living has there been so marked a 
reduction. The officers of the company at present are : James 
Jourdan, president; Charles G. Francklyn, vice-president; 
Walter C. Phelps, secretary and treasurer; Arthur H. Hall, as- 
sistant secretary. 

WILLIAM R. BEAL.— The subject of this sketch was born 
in Newark. New Jersey, Mav 13. 1838. Mis talher. Joseph Rey- 
nolds, a gentleman by birth and education, and his mother, Eliza- 
beth Austin, came to this country from England about 1830. 
When eight years old he was an orphan with three sisters, two 
older, one an invalid, and a younger brother; without an inherit- 
ance or relatives in America, he was compelled to be a bread- 
winner at an tarly age. Such success as Mr. Beal has won is 
largely due to the devotion and self-sacrifice of his older sisters, 
to his rare fortune in being for a time under the influence of a 
great educator, gentleman and friend, John Lockwood, Jr., prin- 
cipal of Grace Church School, Newark, in the early fifties, and 
to the good offices of an eminent business man, churchman and 
philanthropist of the same city and date, Jeremiah C. Garth waitc. 
President of the Newark Gas Light Company, etc. Such helps, 
with the liabil nf haril work during the long hours every day, 
with enforced economy for a definite purpose outside one's own 
needs, and a usually cheerful spirit, are valuable aids in laying 
a foundation for success in life. Mr. Beal graduated from Grace 
Church School, and was awarded first and only prize. After 
about two years of si.xteen hours work per day in a grocery 
store, ho was employed in the office of the Newark Gas Light 
Company for a time. He was then employed to assist the con- 
tractor for building the gas works at Elizabeth. New Jersey. In 
'"'^55. vvhen seventeen years of age, he made a contract for two 
years with this contractor to superintend the business of the 
Yonkers Gas Light Company, fie managed this business with 
success for eleven years and left it in a very prosperous con- 
dition. W'hile in Yonkers, he started the movement which led 
to the Iniilding of St. Paul's Church, of which he was made a 
vestryman before attaining legal age. Here, in 1863, he married 
Eleanor Louise Bell. In the same year he went with the i/lh 
Regiment, N. Y. S. N. G., in the service of the Government dur- 
ing the Gettysburg raid. He is a member of Alex. Hamilton 
Post, G. A. R. In the early fall of 1866, Mr. Beal drove from 
Yonkers through Melrose and North New York to the gas works 
at Port Morris. .-\t that date Courtlandt .'\venue was fairly 
well built up with small houses. l)iU along the balance of the 



route there was little but open fields. Port Morris was known 
as Stony Island, but was connected with the mainland by a nar- 
row causeway. The gas plant was small, and situated some 
distance from the Sound. As so little of the indifferent apparatus 
at the works was in use, it was plain that the business was con- 
ducted at a loss. The general effect of the trip upon most minds 
would have been of depression and discouragement. But one 
could see from the high land along the route the improvement.^ 
upon Manhattan Island, and it called for little of good judgment 
and of venturesome spirit to determine that all this new and un- 
occupied country must share in the prosperity of the great city 
of the country, then already assured. Mr. Beal saw in the 
single-handed control of the gas business an opportunity to aid 
in the growth and prosperity of the district. The capital of the 




WILLIAM R. BEAL 

Westchester County Gas Light Company at that date was $80,- 
000; its district included the towns of Morrisania and West 
Farms. The manufacturing apparatus was poor, the main pipes 
were in such a bad condition that fifty per cent, of the gas 
made was lost, and the price to consumers was $5.00 per thou- 
sand cubic feet. The capital of the company was increased, 
necessary improvements were made, the price to the public re- 
duced, and the business largely increased and put upon a self- 
sustaining basis. The company succeeded in securing proper 
legislation to enable the lighting of the streets of the district, 
Kiid in this way was enabled to lay pipes into new neighborhomU 
and make them attractive to home-seekers employed in the 
neighboring cily. I'^or many years all the profits of the company 
were put into its property, and while a strictly conservative 
policy was adopted and maintained down to the sale of the 
company, its dealings with its consumers were always character- 
ized by the most liberal methods. The Central-Union, when 
sold to the New .-\nisterd,ain Gas Company had a capital of 




JOHN EICHLER 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



295 



$500,000, and outstanding certificates of indebtedness of $^25,000. 
Its plant was in tlie liighest state of efiiciency. Much of its 
apparatus was designed by Mr. Beal — this description of ap- 
paratus has been generally adopted in the United States. Its 
product was sold for $1.00 per thousand cubic feet. The recent 
investigation of gas and electric matters in New York City 
elicited the fact that the company sells its gas to the parent com- 
pany at a lower rate than is charged by any other company in 
the system — a convincing proof of the efficiency of its works. 
The company was sold for cash to the New Amsterdam Gas 
Company, which created and sold $3,500,000 5 per cent bonds and 
made $3,500,000 capital stock. The bonds have always sold at 
a premium. The stock remained in the treasury of the company, 
and has passed with the company into the control of the Con- 
solidated Gas Company. Mr. Beal organized and built the works 
of the Northern Union Gas Company, and was for many years a 
director, and for several years president of this company. While 
managing the business of the Central Gas Light Company, Mr. 
Beal was interested in the work of the American Gas Light As- 
sociation, served as a member of its council and as its president, 
and is now a trustee and treasurer of its educational fund. The 
management of a company so closely in touch with the interests 
and prosperity of a community as is a gas company compels 
identification with most of the serious efforts to advance the 
growth of the town, and to make it an attractive place to live 
in. The records show Mr. Beal to have been active in the or- 
ganization of the Twenty-third Ward Bank and of the Wash- 
ington Bank, now Bronx Branch of the Knickerljocker Trust 
Co., of botli of which he was a director. He was a trustee of 
the Twenty-third Ward Public School, and for a few years 
chairman of the board, and is donor of the "Beal Medal" to 
several of the schools. He was Chairman of the Building Com- 
mittee of St. Mary's P. E. Church when its church building was 
erected, and of St. Ann's Church when its fine chapel was built. 
One of the organizers of the North Side Board of Trade, he 
has always been one of its vice-presidents. He purchased the 
land and organized the William R. Beal Land Improvement Com- 
pany; recent sales of lots on this property amount to more than 
half a million dollars. Mr. Beal was one of the organizers of the 
Young Men's Christian Union, and was its Vice-President until 
its work was taken on by the Young Men's Christian Associa- 
tion and became the Union Branch. He is one of the trustees 
of the branch. Raised in Lily Lodge, he is one of the charter 
members of Gavel Lodge, F. and A. M. Mr. Beal resigned his 
position in the Central Union Gas Company a year or two after 
the expiration of his contract with its new owners. He is now 
living in Harlem, where he is a Warden and Treasurer of Holy 
Trinity Church, a Trustee of the Y. W. C. A., and until re- 
cently of the Empire Savings Bank. He is a past president of 
the Harlem Club, president of three gas and electric companies, 
a director of several other companies, and is also a member of 
several clubs and other organizations. 

WILLL\M F. HIERS, prominently identified with the West- 
chester County Gas Light Co.. now Central Union Gas Co., for 
a great number of years, and well known by all old residents 
in Tremont and West Farms, hails from old revolu- 
tionary stock, and of a very patriotic family. His grand- 
fathers were Isaac Pitcher and Olendrick Obiers, continental 
.soldiers wlio ser\ ed under Washington during the entire revo- 
lutionary war of 1776. His own father, Capt. Garret Hiers, 
served his country during the Mexican war, also war of 1812, 
and the gentleman hitnself served three years in the great civil 



war of our own country. His own son, Wm., Jr., was a soldier 
in the late war with Spain and is at present connected with the 
United States Navy. Mr. Hiers was born at Matawau, N. J., 
October 22, 1843. He was educated at the Trenton Academy, 
Trenton, N. J., and in 1862 joined the army. Coming home at 
the closing of the war, he took a position of trust with Duncan, 
Sherman & Co., prominent bankers of the city. In 1869 he be- 
came associated with the Westchester County Gas Co. and has 
remained ever since one of their most trusted and confidential 
associates. He has filled very important positions with the 
company, the first being that of secretary, but owing to defective 
hearing, probably the result of his civil war service, he resigned 
in 1889 and was created cashier and chief bookkeeper of the con- 
cern, a position he retains at present. Fraternally and soci;'Uy 
he belongs to Mecca Temple and Old Gavel Lodge, F. and A. 




WILLIAM F. HIERS 

M., and had the distinction of being the first candidate raised 
in the latter lodge April 29, 1870. Like many of the older resi- 
dents of the Bronx he is a member also of the Schnorers, 
Suburban Council, Royal Arcanum, Adelphic Lodge, 148, 
Knights of Pythias, and North Side Board of Trade. Or; 
January 17, 1871, he married Miss Anna E. Houston. Her 
father was editor of the New York "Herald" in 1848 and well 
known in Washington, being one of the best stenographers in the 
United States. He has five sons, William F. J., now in the 
United States Navy, Harry H., confidential man w'ith the firm 
of Robert Crooks & Co., of this city, Eugene Houston, cm- 
ployed in the City Department of the Municipal Government, 
Reynolds Beal and Garrett, wdio go to Leonia High School. 
all worthy sons of a noble sire. Died February 26, 1886. Was 
one of the most prominent men in the State. Served in Legis- 
lature but refused candidate of Governor. Was connected with 
the New Jersey State Pilot Commission for many years until 
his death. W^ar Governor Joel Parker was his personal friend 
and companion from boyhood. 

JOHN EICHLER.— When this well known and highly 
esteemed citizen of the Bronx passed away every newspaper in 
New York paid a tribute of respect to his memory. ■ John 
Eichler was a self made man ; he built up and established a 




ADOLPH G. HUPFEL 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



297 



great business by his own energy and perseverance; he was a 
man of ;he people; he knew tlieir wortli and trusted them and 
they trnsltd him; he toiled willi ihcm in the ranks and when 
fortune snhied upon him iic slill remained their friend. Mr. 
Eicliler was born at Rolhenburg, liavaria, October 20, 1829, 
and after leaving school entered the brewery of Wollf & Olt in 
his native place, where he served his apprenticeship, after 
ivhicli he went to the VV'ertheim brewery in Baden, and later to 
ihe Hazen brewery in Berlin, where he mastered every detail of 
tiie business and becanpe an expert in his chosen field. At the 
age of 29 years young Eichler s.iiled for America, landing in 
New York in 1853, where he secured employment as brewmaster 
in the Franz Ruppert Brewery (known then as the Turtle Bay 
Ihewery). The industrious young brewer worked hard and 
saved his money and in 1861. with Mr. M. Solman as partner, 
went into business for himself. In a short time Mr. Eichler 
acquired Mr. Solman's interest and continued the business until 
1865, when he bought the Kolb brewery, which was located on 
the present site of the magnificent establishment now operated 
l)y the John Eichler Brewing Co., at Third Avenue and 169th 
Street. W hen Mr. Eichler purchased the present jilant it was 
a very small afifair and hardly worthy of the name of a brewery, 
but by hard work and ho.iest business methods he met with 
.luparallcled success from the start, though he had to overcome 
great financial difliculties wnich would have staggered nine men 
out of ten, liiit as his sales increased and the business grew, 
I'.e was encouraged to greater efforts and finally laid the corner- 
stone of his innnense fortune. Mr. Eichler never stood slill, he 
was continually improving, building and adding on to his hold- 
ings. Every new invention and improvement found a p'.ace in 
the John F.ichlcr brewery and to-day the John Eichler Brewing 
Company's plant is conceded to be one of the best equippL"d in 
Ihe United States. When ^Ir. Eichler's health began to fail in 
1888. be consented to the organization of a stock company to 
be known as the John Eichler Brewing Company, with himself 
PS president, Jacob Siegtl is vice-president and treasurer, Louis 
J. ileintz as secretary and John C. Heinlz as trustee for the 
stockholders. In 1890 when la grippe made its first appearance 
in New York, Mr. Eichler was one of the first to be attacked 
by it, and he never fully recovered from its effects. This, with 
a general i>reakin,g down, is thought to have been the cause of 
bis deatli, which occurred at Gollheim. Rheinphalz, Bavaria, 
August 4, 1892. Mr. Jacob Siegel, Mr. Eichler's brother-in-law, 
went to Germany and brought back the retnains for burial in 
the family plot in Woodlawn. In 1857 Mr. Eichler was united 
in marriage to Miss Mary Siegel, of Gollheim, Rheinphalz, 
Bavaria, who proved a worthy helpmate and a valuable adviser 
in building up one of the principal business enterprises of the 
Bronx, and during his last illness .she nursed and w;itclie(l over 
him night and day, never permitting anyone to take her place 
at 'lis bedside. Mr. Eichler was a proniinent member of many 
social and busines.s' organizations who miss his friendship and 
generous co-operation. He was a member of the United States 
Brewers' Association and also of the Brewers' Board of Trade 
of New York and vicinity, the Brewers' Exchange, the New 
York Produce Exchange, Die Dentsch-Gesellschaft, the Lieder- 
kranz, Arion Society, Beethoven Maennerchor. the Eichenkranz. 
Freiemaurer Sangerbund, the Schnorer Club, Morrisania 
Maennerchor, Harmonie .Singing Society, Wieland Lodge, F. 
and A. M., and Ivy Chapter, F. and A. M., New York Inde- 
pendent Schuetzen Verein, the Morrisania Schuetzen Verein, 
Rhein Pfalzer Maennerchor and the Five O'Clock Club of 
Morrisania. Everyone of the above organizations took appro- 
priate action at the time of Mr. Eichler's demise and in most 
cases attended the funeral in a body. Tlie life of John Eichler 



is a lesson in economies and shows what may be accomplished 
by industry, frugality and honesty. 

THE HUPFEL.S. — .Vmimg the pioneers in the brewing 
industry wiiich has made the llronx noted, the Hupfels were 
among the foremost, and the founder. Anton, has prov^'U 
that that which is bred in the bone is sure to manifest itself 
in the flesh, as his sons have creditably carried on the business 
which he founded, ,\nd now has become one of the prominent 
ones north of the Harlem River. The buildings occupied by 
this industry have stood so long on St. Ann's Avenue and 161 st 
Street, that thev have become known as landmarks in the Bro.i.v. 




ANTON HUPFEL 

Adolph G. Hupfel was bom in Orange County, N. Y., receiving 
his education in public and private schools, coming to the Bronx 
in 1863. By political affiliation he is a Democrat, but has never 
held or sought a political office. Among the organizations of 
which he is an active member may be mentioned the New York 
Produce Exchange; ex-President Brewers' Board of Trade; 
Associated Brewers ; Trustee and Treasurer State Brewers and 
Maltsters ; ex-Director of the Union Railway ; North Side 
Board of Trade ; New York Botanical Society ; Wieland Lodge. 
No. 714, F. and A. M. ; Freundschaft Lodge, No. 4, Improved 
Order of the Knighis of Pythias; Melrose Turn 'Verein; Arion 
Liedertafel ; Central Turn Verein ; German Hospital ; Deutsche 
Ciesellschaft ; Terrace Bowling Club; Manhattan Club; Demo- 
cratic Club, and Schnorer Club. On May 13, 1873, he was married 
to Miss Magdalena Kuntz. and four children. Catherine G.. 
.Adolph G., Jr., Antoinette G. and Otto G.. all living, have 
bles.sed this union. 

GEORGE EHRET'S HELL GATE BREWERY.— The 
Hell Gate Brewery was established by George Ehret in the year 
(866 ; hence, at a time when the annual production of malt 




GEORGE EHRET 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



299 



liquors had increased to 5,115,140 barrels. He had then just at- 
tained the age of thirty-six years, the date of his birth being 
April 6, 1835. Nine years before the establishment of this brew- 
ery, Mr. Ehret came to America (1857) to join his father, who 
had emigrated from Germany in August, 1852. Mr. Ehret, being 
a thoroughly practical brewer, strictly devoted to his callmg, 
had not long to serve in the brewery of A. Hupfel before he 
rose to the foremanship and gained the full confidence and 
friendship of his employer. When he made known his intention 
to start a brewery for himself, Mr. Hupfel, a man of generous 
instincts and philanthropic disposition, at once promised and, 
at the proper time, gave his support and assistance to the new 
enterprise. The site selected by Mr. Ehret for his brewery was 
at that time of a decidedly rural character. It was opposite 
a dangerous passage in the East River which had been desig- 
nated "Hell Gate." From this fact Mr. Ehret decided to name 
his brewery "The Hell Gate Brewery." The building in which 
he began brewing was erected under his supervision at the lower 
part of the block, between Ninety-second and Ninety-third 
Streets and Second and Third Avenues, and its interior appoint- 
ments were completed at the beginning of the year 1867. This 
building is no longer standing. It was succeeded by another 
in 1871, which formed the nucleus of the establishment that now 
covers the greater part of an entire block. It is at present 
almost hidden by the over-towering brewery buildings which 
have sprung up around it in the course of a quarter of a century, 
and a full view of it can only be gained from the quadrangular 
yard, of which it forms the interior side, the buildings flanking 
ir. being the offices and the storehouse, both fronting on Ninety- 
second Street. Mr. Ehret, from the very beginning, aimed at the 
brewing of a beer as nearly like the best quality of Munich lager 
as the difference between our water and that of the River Isar 
would adm.it. How well he succeeded in this way may be in- 
ferred from the popularity which his beer attained in, a few 
years. As has been said, he began brewing immediately after 
the completion of his plant. At the beginning of January, 1867, 
the first brew was stored in the cellars ; in March of the same 
year, his wagons, freighted not only with kegs, but also, met- 
aphorically speaking, witli all his expectations and anxietiec, 
left his yards for the first time to serve his new customers. 
Five years after that time he sold 35,512 barrels; seven years 
later, 74,497 barrels; and in 1874 he produced and sold 101,150 
barrels — a quantity which thirty years ago was manufactured by 
but very few of the largest establishments. This growth wns 
then all the more remarkable, because Mr. Ehret's operations 
had suddenly been checked for a considerable time on account 
of a fire which, on the 19th of September, 1870, destroyed the 
greater part of his brewery, including books and papers. It is 
owing to this fact that we are unable to give the quantities of 
beer brewed during the four years preceding the fire. The 
year 1870 may be called the second starting point in the growth 
of Hell Gate Brewery. In a certain sense the fire was not an 
unmixed evil, especially in view of the fact that the demand lor 
Ehret beer was fast outgrowing the capacity of the original 
plant, necessitating a considerable extension of the premises and 
buildings, and many additions to the machinery and other ap- 
pointments. As stated above, the amount of beer produced 
and sold by the Hell Gate Brewery in the year 1874 amounted 
to 101,150 barrels; in 1880 the production amounted to 220,096 
barrels, an increase in six years of over one hundred per cent. 
Ten years after, in the year i8go, the production amounted to 
412853 barrels, making another increase of almost one hundred 
per cent, for the decade. In the year 1900 the production was 
601,000 barrels, showing an increase of forty-six per cent. This 
is a record to be proud of, and one that has seldom been equalled 



HI the history of brewing. This immense production has been 
attained without any forced efforts to open new channels out- 
side of the limits of the State of New York; although, natur- 
ally enough, whenever a demand was shown to exist in outside 
markets, Mr. Ehret endeavored to supply it, and thus established 
a number of agencies. The home demand always proved so 
great that the idea of engaging in an extensive export trade be- 
yond the sea could not be entertained, save in conjunction with 
plans for a further enlargement of the brewery premises and 
increase in equipment. On approaching the brewery, one is im- 
pressed with the unusually large dimensions of the grounds 
upon which the buildings are erected. In a smaller city thi.''. 
would not be anything worthy of note, but in New York, and 
especially in that part of it to which we refer, where scantness 
of territory and an immense and ever-growing population render 
necessary the utmost economy in the utilization of space (much 
to the detriment of architectural beauty), such extended premises 
as those we speak of cannot fail to make an impression. The 
grounds, extending from within a short distance of Third Ave- 
nue to Second. Avenue, and from Ninety-first to Ninety-fourth 
Streets, comprise, inclusive of stables and storage buildings on 
Second Avenue, between Ninety-first and Ninety-third Streets, 
seventy-five city lots or one hundred and eighty-seven thousanl 
five hundred square feet. The main building, an imposing struc- 
ture, surmounted by a graceful clock tower, fronts on Ninety- 
third Street, extending southward to a considerable depth; it is 
flanked on either side by lower wings which, in point of archi- 
tecture and symmetrical proportions harmonize perfectly with 
the principal facade. Ornamental gables, rising from the cor- 
nices of every building, enhance the impression of uniformity 
which, next to utility, was manifestly one of the prime objects 
of the architect. 

THE EBLINGS.— For half a century the name of Ebling 
has been prominent in social as well as business circles in New 
York, and no history of the Bronx would be complete without 
a sketch of the men who have done so much to make this bor- 
ough one of the greatest sections of one of the greatest cities 
of the world. In the early thirties in the little town of Shorns- 
heim, near Worrstadt, Germany, the brothers were born and 
there received their early education and training. Philip Eb- 
ling came to America in 1850 and engaged in the wine and 
vinegar business as an importer and distributor, and three years 
later was joined by his brother William. Both brothers worked 
long and hard in a little establishment in Thirty-ninth Street, 
and soon became known as shrewd business men. About this 
time German emigration was in full swing and every steamer 
brought to our shores hundreds of sturdy men and women who 
have since become honorable citizens of our great republic. It 
was during this period that lager beer brewing took its place 
among various American industries. The Ebling brothers see- 
ing the possibilities of this business, and being of a saving and 
economical nature, soon accumulated enough capital to purchase 
the beautiful piece of property known in the early days as Au- 
rora Park, now a part of the Borough of the Bronx, where 
they established in 1868 the Ebling Brewery. Time has proven 
the wisdom of their course, and to-day their establishment 
stands as a worthy memorial to their business acumen. Fortune 
smiled upon the brothers year after year and their fame and 
business grew until they found themselves among the great 
brewers of the United States. The Ebling Brewery is one of 
the most attractive group of buildings of their kind in the 
Bronx, and at the present time cover a frontage of 608 feet, 
with a depth of 200 feet ; they are built of plain red brick and 



300 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



are of a composite style of architecture. The breweries, malt 
houses, ice houses, etc., are equipped with the latest modern 
inventions known to the art of beer brewing. The output to- 
day numbers between 150.000 to 200,000 barrels of beer per 
year. The quality of the Ebling beer is always kept at the high- 
est standard of excellence. It was the purity of their beverage 
that made Philip and William Ebling famous. In December. 
1891, Philip Ebling bought his brother's interest in the brewery 
and with other members of the family assumed the manage- 
ment of the business. The present officers of the Ebling 
Brewery are as follows:. William Ebling, president; Louis M. 
Ebling, vice-president ; Theo. Hoebler, secretary-treasurer. 
Philip Ebling in i860 was united in marriage to Miss Katharine 




PHILIP EBLING 

Baum. of Mainz. Three sons and two daughters were born to 
them (Philip, Jr., deceased), William and Louis, and Louise 
and Pauline Ebling. On October 12, 1895, Philip Ebling, after 
an illness of several months was taken away, loved and es- 
teemed by all who knew him. After William Ebling retired 
from the brewing business he interested himself in real estate 
matters, and was the first one in the Bronx to undertake the 
erection of a steel skeleton building, the dry goods house of 
Lyons & Chabot, 150th Street and Third Avenue. During the 
last few years Mr. William Ebling has spent much of his time 
in travel, and at the present time resides in a comfortable man- 
sion at the corner of East 163d Street and Prospect Avenue, 
where he enjoys the society of his children and friends. Philip 
and William Ebling belonged to all the social clubs and organi- 
zations of the Bronx, and were members of the United States 
Brewing Association, the Board of Trade, and of the Produce 
Exchange of New York City. Philip Ebling. Jr., son of Philip 
Ebling, one of the founders of the Ebling Brewing Company, 
was born and educated in New York City, and died Septem- 




WILLIAM EBLING 



her the 26th, 1896. in the thirty-sixth year of his age. He 
studied the brewer's art and liecame an expert and a practical 
brewer and maltster, and at the time of his death was superin- 




PHILIP EBLING, JR. 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



301 



lendent of the breweries and malt houses of the Ebliiig Brew- 
ery, and for over a year was the acting president of the coin- 
panv. 1 lis unexpected death was a shock to his family and 
friends, lie was a young man of great promise and was highly 
esteemed in the Bronx. Socially he was popular, and no func- 
tion was considered complete without his presence. He was a 
member of Wieland Lodge, No. 714, F. and A. M., the K. O. S. 
Howling Club, the Schnorer Club, Aurora Liederkranz, and the 
Melrose Turn Verein. He was an active member of the Lager 
Beer Brewers' Board of Trade of New York and vicinity and 
the Brewmasters' Association. Mr. Ebling was of a kindly 
nature and genial disposition, and took a keen interest in the 
liorough. He was liberal and kind to the employees of the 
lirewery, and always took an interest in their welfare. He left 
a widow and one daughter. 

NORTH SIDE BREWING CO.— This company is a co- 
operative or consumers' brewing company, owned and controlled 
by retail liquor dealers and is the direct outcome of the fact 
that the Central Brewing Co. of New York, of which the founder 
of this company, Mr. Geo. F. Gminder, was the first vice-president 
from its inception to the time of his resignation, which occurred 
about May, 1902, was averse to catering and supplying the 



or buying a plant in view of the fact that at this time there werf 
several plants m operation in the Bronx that were in the markel 
The directors discarded the idea of building a plant and imme- 
diately began negotiations with the trustees of the Henry Zelt 
ner Brewing Co., as well as with the .^merican Brewing Co 
for the purchase of their respective plants. After considerable 
conferring and figuring and negotiating, the directors finally 
made a contract with the American Brewing Co. to purchase 
their plant, which contract being ratified by the stockholders 
of both companies and the American Brewing Co. did by deed 
dated July 10, 1903, convey to the North Side Brewing Co. all 
its right, title and interest to all its real estate, machinery, stock 
on hand, as well as chattel mortgages and outstanding accounts; 
so in consequence the North Side Brewing Co. formally tool- 
possession and began business July 10, 1903, and began at once 
to make a product which the company put on the market about 
three months later, or to be exact, on Thanksgiving Day, 1903, 
which event was celebrated by a great procession of the directors 
and stockholders, as well as the employees, together with their 
horses and wagons through the Bronx Borough, which was in 
part gayly decorated to celebrate the event, and which wound 
up by a reception at the brewery, which was very largely attended 
by retail liquor dealers. That the immense space allotted fo' 




North Side Brewing Co. 



Bronx and annexed territory with its product. Mr, Gminder 
being a resident of and doing business in the Bronx, conceived 
the idea of organizing a co-operative brewing company to supply 
ll'.c demand for ale and lager to the retail dealers of the Bronx 
and Westchester County. In accordance with this object in 
view, Mr. Gminder called a council of some of his trusted 
fi lends in good standing in the retail liquor business and an- 
nounced his intennons. which were seriously considered at several 
conferences and took root by the appointment of a committee 
on organization, which after some weeks of deliberation, brought 
in a repoit requesting the formation of a co-operative brewing 
company, to be located in the Borough of the Bronx and to get 
up a prospectus and send a copy to every licensed dealer in Man- 
hattan, the Bronx and Westchester County, which was done 
with such gratifying results that by the 7th of August, 1902, a 
company had been formed and the officers and directors elected 
and the company incorporated under the laws of the State of 
New York and authorized to capitalize for $1,000,000, and was 
named the North Side Brewing Co. The officers and directors 
for the ensuing year were kept busy getting subscriptions to 
the capital stock and deciding as to the advisability of building 



the reception of guests proved to be too small, the product di? 
pensed on this occasion was of such quality that it inspired 
confidence with the trade from that time and to this very day 
it has the just reputation of being one of the finest beers 
brewed. The result being the North Side Brewing Co. is slowly 
but surely coming to the front ; this in spite of the fact that some 
of our unkind competitors have by all the means at their com- 
mand tried to discourage the trade from becoming interested 
in the enterprise, but in spite of which the management has 
been able to show a steady increase of business, as well as a 
healthy financial condition. The plant owned by this company 
was originally founded by the Kuntz family, who built the brew- 
ery in 1857 on its present site. It occupies about one and a half 
acres of ground in the heart of the Borough of the Bronx, having 
about 200 feet front on Third Avenue and running about 350 
feet on 168th Street, with a front on Fulton Avenue. Some of 
the original buildings of the Kuntz Brewery are still on the 
ground, but the majority of the buildings are of more recent 
construction and quite up to date. The machinery, as well as 
the buildings, vats, wagons, etc., have been entirely overhauled 
since the North Side Brewing Co. have become the owners, 





KATHIAS HAFFEN (THE ELDEp) 



JOHN HAFFEN 





MAlHlAb HAFFEN 



JOHN M. HAFFEN 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



303 



and is to-day in an up-to-date condition ; as well as the product 
of the company has a well merited reputation. It would be 
well to note here that in consequence of the very reasonable 
purchase the company has made in acquiring the plant at the 
price they did, the company concluded and did reduce their 
capital stock to $500,000, feeling that this would be amply suffi- 
cient to carry on a business commensurate with the size of the 
plant. The company enjoys good patronage, not alone from its 
stockJiolders but from the trade at large, and is destined to be- 
come one of the leading business concerns of Bronx Borough. 
The success of the North Side Brewing Company is largely due 
tn the individual efforts of its officers who have given their 




GEORGE FREDERICK GMPNDER 

devoted time and energy to this great enterprise, and being 
backed by these gentlemen is a guarantee of a continuous suc- 
cess. The officers of the company, who are serving their third 
term, are as follows : George F. Gminder, President ; John J. 
Wager, first Vice-President; William Callahan, second Vice- 
President; Christian Georges, Treasurer; August Welps, Secre- 
tary. The Board of Directors are as follows : George F. 
Gminder, 4029 Third Avenue, hotel; John J. Wager, Alexander 
Avenue, Yonkers, General Agent ; William Callahan, 145th Street 
and Eighth Avenue, cafe; Christian Georges, 15 Short Street, 
Mount Vernon, Real Estate; August Welps, 113th Street and 
Third Avenue, cafe; Jacob Pritz, 2179 Morris Avenue, hotel; 
Martin Hoffman, Tenth Street and Avenue B, Unionport, hotel ; 
Christian Schlobohm, I Beuna Vista Avenue, Yonkers, hotel ; 
Thomas F. Brenner, 2926 Eighth Avenue, cafe ; Joseph Forest, 84 
Lawrence- Street, Manhattan, cafe ; Gaetano Del Bello, 242 New 
Main Street, Yonkers, cafe; John P. O'Connell, Golf Course, Van 
Cortlandt Park, hotel; William Carroll, 155 Willoughby Street, 
Brooklyn, cafe; Daniel O'Snllivan, 2013 Boston Road, cafe. 

THE HAFFENS, SENIOR AND JUNIOR.— A well 
known name, this of HafTen in the Bronx. The name of one of 
its most notable public characters, the President of the Borough, 
and in that particular a name which is a tower of strength. The 
name also of the great brewery in that section and of its pro- 
prietors, father and son, of whom especially we speak. The 
Haffen brewery is one of the oldest business institutions of the 
Bronx. Its widespread patronage makes the name practically a 
"household word." It was founded in 1856 by Mathias Haffen, 



first of the name in this country, who was born in Germany in 
1814, and came to America in the early part of the nineteenth 
century. He married in 1845, Miss Catherine Hays. His sons and 
successors, John and Mathias, Jr., were born on Long Island in 
1847 and 1850 respectively. John Haffen married Miss Caroline 
Hoffman in 1868, and his son, John M., of the third generation, 
was born in Melrose in 1872. Mathias, brother of John, Sr., 
married Mena Schuman in 1872; John M. married Miss Bertha 
Helen Eckert in 1896; so much for the family tree. In 1871 
John and Mathias Haffen, sons of the founder of the business, 
succeeded to the brew'ery as the firm of J. & M. Haffen. They, 
in turn, were succeeded by the J. & M. Haffen Brewing Co., in 
1900, John Haffen president, John M., his son, secretary, and 
Mathias, his brother, treasurer, he having banking interests 
requiring his attention. He has been president, in fact, of the 
Dollar Savings Bank in the Bronx ever since it was organized 
in 1889. This bank, located in the Haffen building at 2808 Third 
-Vvenue, is a .savings bank and is one of the most prosperous 
banks of the borough. 

GEORGE FREDERICK GMINDER, president of the North 
Side Brewitig Co., Third Avenue and i68th Street, was born 
here and has been a resident of the city fifty-five years. His 
education was obtained here also in the public schools ; in fact, 
his whole business life and career has been spent here. He is 
first vice-president of the National Retail Liquor Dealers' Asso- 
ciation, with headquarters in Washington ; is a member of Wie- 
land Lodge, F. and A. M., Freilgrath Lodge of Odd Fellows, 
and Ranaque Lodge of Red Men. Mr. Gminder was the chief 
promoter of the well known Central Brewing Company of this 
city, and was first vice-president for three years. In 1903 he 
resigned this position to head the North Side Brewing Company. 
This company is based on the co-operative principle and is de- 
signed to be one of the most prosperous in this State. He is 
not active politically but he professes himself an advocate of 
the protective tariff. He has never held public office, barring 
such as of an honorary character, as delegate to National and 
State conventions ; lieutenant in the National Guard ; notary pub- 
lic, etc. He married Augusta Edlich in June, 1887. They have 
no children. 

JACOB RUPPERT'S ICE PLANT. NEW YORK 
CITY. — One of the most instructive and interesting sights for 
the visitor to New York, and for the ice man in particular, is 
the new ice factory built by Mr. Jacob Ruppert, located between 
Lincoln and Alexander Avenues, and facing I32d and 133d 
Streets. Mr. Ruppert, universally known for his push, energy 
and sterling business qualities, is one of the pioneers in the 
manufacturing of ice in New York City. As early as 1878 he 
realized the possibilities of the ice machine, which then was in 
its infancy, as far as general use was concerned, although the 
principles upon which it is constructed were well known long 
before that time. He had then an absorption ice machine erected 
in his brewery, which he later on replaced by compression ma- 
chines, still in use there. About ten years ago. realizing that 
the natural ice would sooner or later be superseded in all large 
cities by ice manufactured according to hygienic principles, owing 
to its sanitary qualities, as outlined by some of our most eminent 
scientists, such as Prof. Mitchel Prudens and Prof. Denton, etc., 
Mr. Ruppert built an ice plant of fifty tons capacity on Third 
Avenue, to which he afterward added a second plant of 250 tons 
daily output. The success which he met with, and the constantly 
increasing demand for his Hygeia ice, stimulated him to erect 
the largest plant of its kind in the world. Anyone connected 
with ice manufacturing will realize the amount of work, time and 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



305 



ability it takes to conceive, design and build a plant of such 
gigantic dimensions as the one in question, and very few men in- 
deed would undertake such an enterprise single-handed, as Mr. 
Ruppert did, who is the sole owner of this new plant, as well as 
the one pre.viously mentioned. It required considerable prelimi- 
nary work to determine the nature of the ground which was 
to carry such enormous weights, to drill the wells, and consider- 
ing all this, and in spite of delays due to the scarcity of iron 
in the market at the time when the progress of the building 
mainly depended on its prompt delivery, the factory was erected 
and ready for occupancy during the latter part of May, 1900, a 
monument to the indefatigable energy of Mr. Ruppert rarely 
excelled. Mr. Jacob Ruppert was born in New York in 1842. 
He learned the brewing trade and at the age of twenty-five 
started to build a business of his own. From small beginnings 
he soon developed his business, and through strict attention to 
all details of the manufacturing as well as the selling of the 
product of his brewery, he increased his output from year to year, 
until he now ranks among the foremost brewers of the country. 
He employs a large force of men, and takes a very active part 
in the management of his brewery, as well as in that of the ice 
factories and numerous other enterprises in which he is finan- 
cially and otherwise interested. The new ice plant occupies a 
five-story steel and iron cage construction building, about 200 
feet square. The provision for heavy storage, the operation of 
massive machinery on the upper floors, and the construction of 
large coal bins above the boilers, have developed some interest- 
ing features in the design and structural details. The estimated 
weight of the building and contents gives the following unit 
loads on the entire lot area under different parts of the building: 
Machine house, 2,800; freezing house, 3,400; boiler house, 5,10a 
[inunds per square foot. The l36;^xi72-foot freezing house in 
separated from the boiler and machinery house by a solid brick 
wall, into the thickness of which are built steel Z-bar columns, 
with 12-inch channel ties at the first, second and third floors. 
The machinery house is about 62x155 feet in plan, and has four 
full stories, besides the basement and a 12-foot deck house over 
part of the flat roof. The engines are set on concrete founda- 
tions built up solid from the pile grillages. The roof and floors 
are supported by twenty-two steel Z-bar columns, from twenty- 
two to thirty feet apart, in three longitudinal rows, thirty feet 
ten inches apart centers. The 62x47 boiler houfe is separated 
from the machine house by a heavy brick wall, and its sixteen 
steel Z-bar columns are arranged to support the coal bin and 
boilers, which are carried on a system of special beams and 
girders. The coal bin is, in plan, a 38x54-foot rectangle, and 
has vertical sides from fourteen to thirty-eight feet in height. 
In the selection of the many and various machines and con- 
trivances necessary for his factory, Mr. Ruppert carried out the 
idea of having nothing but the best, of having in duplicate such 
parts of the plant as arc liable to get out of order, and having 
everything of ample size. The breakdown of any essential part 
would mean a loss of not hundreds, but thousands of dollars, 
considering that when fully equipped the plant will turn out 
1,000 tons per day. The steam generating plant received very 
careful attention. The boiler room, which is 62x47x27 1-2 feet 
high, contains on the lower floor four boilers built for a working 
pressure of 150 pounds per square inch, each of 450-horse power 
capacity, and are equipped with mechanical stokers and "Re- 
liance" safety water columns of polished brass. The boiler room 
also contains two boiler feed pumps of the compound type. One 
<if these pumps is of ample size to supply all the water necessary 
for the present four boilers, and also for the additional floor, 



which may be placed on the second floor of the boiler house. 
The other pump is held in reserve, ready to start at a moment's 
notice, should anything happen to the one in use. In the base- 
ment of the boiler house are two duplex pumps of an aggregate 
capacity of about 2,000,000 gallons per day. They are held as 
a reserve in case of breakdown of any of the larger pumps, and 
also for fire protection. There are two doors leading from the 
boiler room to the engine room. This room is by far the most 
niipressive in the whole building, its dimensions being 62 feet 
wide, 155 feet long and 35 feet high. There are two 300-ton and 
one 500-ton refrigerating machines of the De La Vergne double- 
acting type, with the well known oil injection, all furnished by 
the De La Vergne Refrigerating Machine Co., of New York 
City. The steam ends are of the cross-compound type, provided 
with registers between high and low pressure cylinders, and 
situated under the engine room floor. The above company also 
furnished the general outfit for ice-making, ammonia condensers, 
etc. These machines, while of an enormous size, are so well pro- 
portioned that they fully harmonize with the building, and pre- 
sent a beautiful sight with their nickel plated laggings. There 
is enough space left for two more 500-ton machines which may 
be added shortly, as also additional freeznig tanks and cold 
storage rooms. Next to the wall between the boiler room and 
engine room is the 3,000,000 gallon pump. This pump, of the 
crank and flywheel type, is constructed with three single-acting 
pumping cylinders, each connected to a Corliss steam cylinder. 
The middle steam cylinder is the high pressure, the two outside 
ones the low pressure cylinders. A reheater is placed under 
the steam cylinders. The water is supplied to this pump through 
a 16-inch cast-iron pipe connected with the wells, which are 
located under the western part of the ice storage room, the 
water of which is used for ice making, and also a third connec- 
tion to the hydrant system. This refers to the two pumps under 
the boiler room. It was necessary to put in these connections in 
order to be protected against any possibility of being shut ofl 
from water supply, which would mean a total shutting down 
of the factory, with all the losses connected therewith. Every 
practical ice man knows that there is nothing so important for 
the proper running of an ice plant as the water supply, and 
for this reason still an additional safeguard, in the shape of a 
3,000,000-gallon pump, was installed in this plant. All 
these pumps are of the compound condensing type. In front 
of the refrigerating machines and alongside of the south 
side of the engine room are the two dynamos. Both dynamos 
are connected to a mutual switch board arranged in a very 
tasteful manner. It may be mentioned that the building 
is provided throughout with electric lights. There are in use 
500 incandescent lights and 65 arc lights. The dynamos also 
furnish power for two passenger elevators, each requiring about 
fifteen horse power, and furthermore, the power for the coal 
crusher, fifteen horse power, and the conveyor, eighteen horse 
power. Like the rest of the machines, the engines driving the 
dynamos are compound condensing. In the southeast corner of 
the engine room is the air compressor, furnishing the compressed 
air for the pneumatic hoists. On the fourth floor are the two 
skimming tanks, from which the water passes into the reboilers, 
and from there to the storage tanks, all in the usual manner. 
The ammonia and oil forecoolers are also erected on this floor. 
The freezing tank rooms in the northern part of the build- 
ing, facing 133d Street, are accessible from the different 
parts of the engine house building, as well as from the boiler 
house. These rooms are 170 feet wide and 133 feet long. There 
are three such floors. Two are completed and in full operation ; 
the third is readv to receive the six additional tanks which are 



306 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



necessary to complete the l,ooo tons per day outfit. Each floor 
contains six tanks of fifty-five tons capacity each. The ice cans 
are of standard size, 11x22x44, producing 300-pound blocks. The 
ice storage room is very spacious, being of the same dimensions 
as the room above, and fourteen feet high ; still it is none too 
large, since its capacity of 3.500 tons is only three and one-half 
days' output when the plant is running at its full capacity. The 
storage room is provided with six small outlets, and two doors 
to the loading platform, which extends over the entire length of 
the storage room and faces 133d Street. Here again Mr. Rup- 
pert's foresight manifested itself very plainly, since in spite of 
the enormous length of the platform it is not one foot too large 
to handle the trade during the early rush hours of hot summer 
days, where the ice wagons form a line, extending over many of 
the adjacent streets. The spectacle presented by the distribu- 
tion of from 1,000 to i.joo cakes of ice per hour is a sight to 
gladden the heart of any ice man accustomed to the slow and 
time-honored method of loading ice from the barges and docks 
around the city. Here we see the result of modern engineering, 
art and enterprise, in the transparency, purity and uniformity in 
weight and size of the hygienic ice, contrasting very plainly with 
the natural ice, nearly always opaque, and very often from 
sources of doubtful purity. While this busy scene may be ob- 
served on the front platform of the building, at the same time 
railroad cars are being loaded on the rear platform, adjoining 
the engine room, to supply the out-of-town customers. By means 
of a simple device using compressed air. ice is delivered 
into the cars at the rate of one ton a minute. Some idea of 
the size of this great plant may be gained from the initial 
charge of ammonia required to start it. For primarily charging 
the plant 30 cylinders of anhydrous ammonia were required. All 
other supplies were of proportionately stupendous quantity. The 
plant is well supplied with thermometers throughout. The busi- 
ness end of the factory is being attended to by Mr. George Kinkle. 
Jr., who has been identified with many highly successful enter- 
prises in Montana, and who for a number of years was manager 
of the Manhattan Malting Co. of Manhattan, Montana. Mr. M 
Karlstrom, the chief engineer of the plant, has spent most of his 
life in connection with the manufacture of ice. He is thoroughly 
efficient in his work, and is a valuable acquisition to Mr. Rup- 
pert's forces. 

PETER KlRCIiHOl- was born March -'O, 1813, to Pete- 
Caspar and Anna Maria (nee Miller) Kirchhof at Neider- 
weisen, Kress Alzai, Grossherzogthum, Hessen-Darmstadt, Ger- 
many. Peter was the youngest of six children and but nine 
days old when his father died. His mother had a severe strug- 
gle to provide for her family, and he was therefore early com- 
pelled to seek his own livelihood. He was educated at a small 
village school and at the age of twelve years apprenticed him- 
self to the brewing and distilling business in the town of Wen- 
delsheim. Through strict attention to business, he advanced to 
a foremanship in tht craft at the age of eighteen. From Wen- 
dclsheim he travelled to Wellstein, Saxe Meiningen. Strassburg, 
.Munich, Wurzburg and Paris, always following his trade and 
increasing his knowledge and experience. On September 5, 
1837, he arrived in America by the ship Wildilion, after 33 days 
sail. 1S37 being the year of our first serious panic, he found it 
difficult to find any occupation. His first work here was 
breaking stone along the line of the Erie Canal. Some weeks 
later he obtained work at his trade in Easton, Pennsylvania, 
then at Nazareth, but through dullness of business had to seek 
another fie'd of labor. He then went to Charleston. South Caro- 
lina, wnere he found employment in a chair factorv- at good 



wages for the time. In 1839. with his savings, he came to New ] 
York and started a small brewery on Seventh Avenue, between! 
Eighteenth and Nineteenth Streets, He was the third German j 
brewer in the city, and the first to malt his own barley. In 1840 ( 
he married Elizabeth Berringer, to whom two sons and three 
daughters were born. Barbara \"on Hortig, Maria Manck. Eliza- 
beth Roland (deceased), Peter J., and Ferdinand (deceased,) 
N'oveaiber 5, 1854, his wife died, and on November 28. 1855, 
he married his present wife, Mary Elizabeth Korrel, to whomj 
four sons and four daughters were born; Phillip (deceased), 
Anna R. Betzeg, Charles G., William B., Catherina Elsenba^i 
W ilhelmina Ruehl. Otto E., (deceased), and Miss Mathilda| 
Kirchhof. Mr. Kirchhof had thirty-nine grandchildren, of 
whom thirly-three are living, and has three great-grandchildrer 
also living. While living in Manhattan. Mr. Kirchhof was very' 
■.dive in the Democratic party in the Sixteenth Ward, and 
never left that party. He was a member of Co, B, Third Hus- 
sars of New York, irom 1845 to 1857. doing duty during Astor 




PETER KIRCHHOF 

Place riots. He was also an active member of the Order of the 
Sons of Herman, the Deutsche Brueder and Sons of William 
Tell, besides other German social societies. In 1S64 he came to 
the Bronx, where he bought the brewery of Chas. Deiderman 
at Westchester and Third .\venue. In 1866 he built Central 
Hall, famous for many years as headquarters for many politi- 
cal associations. Here he established a German theatre, which 
flourished until the seventies. He assisted in organizing the 
two great Turner societies of the Bronx, the Melrose and Ger- 
man-American. He was an honorary member of the Arion Lied- 
ertafel and an honorary member of the United States Brewing 
Association. He was an active member of the Harmony Bowl- 
ing Club and bowled every Tuesday night until he passed his 
81 St birthday, when through an attack of rheumatism, he had 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



307 



to give up this sport. Since the ahove was put in type Mr. 
Kirchhof died, on December s, 1905, at the age of 92 years, 
8 months and 15 days, the day following his golden wedding 
celebration. His funeral obsequies were attended by delegations 
from all the organizations with which he was connected, and 
many were the expressions of regret at his demise, e\en though 
at such an advanced age. 

WILLIAM P. SCHMITT was born in New York City, 
laiuKiry 25, 1862. Me was graduated from Grammar Schmil 
No. 59, and subsequently pursued a course of study with the 
view of entering the Naval Academy at Annapolis. At the age 
of 17, he entered the employ of the Central Park Brewery, at 
the solicitation of his father, who was then largely interested in 
that concern. Having served an apprenticeship of three years, 
during which time he thoroughly mastered the business in 
(the first institution of its kind in this country), and in 1881 
became its first graduate. It being an old German custom for 
parents to send out their sons, after serving their apprentice- 
ship, to make their own way in the world, Mr. Schmitt's father 
adopted this course, and the son was, accordingly, sent out to 
earn his own livelihood. After five years of varied experience, 
during which time he traversed the United States from the At- 
lantic to the Pacific, and from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico — 
having been in almost every state and territory — he returned 
home, at the request of his father, to become brewmaster in 
the establishment of Schmitt & Scbwanenfluegel, his father be- 
ing senior partner. In 1892, Mr. Schmitt became largely in- 
terested in a brewery in the West Indies, where he filled the 
position of general manager for a number of years. On his 
return to New York, his state of health precluded the resump- 
tion of his former position of brewmaster, and he therefore 
became interested in other ventures, notably the management 
of his tobacco plantation of 600 acres in Florida, and later be- 
came proprietor and editor of the Eufaula "Sun," a daily and 
weekly publication, at Eufaula, Alabama. He was also active in 
local politics. The death of his father, which occurred on 
May 4, 1897, closely followed by the death of his brother, neces- 
sitated Mr. Schmitt's return to New York to take care of the 
former's valuable interests in the business. He became vice- 
president and brewmaster of the concern, in which capacity 
he is still actively engaged, also affiliating with the Brewers' 
Board of Trade, the American Brewing Institute, the United 
States Brewers' Association, the Union Brewers' Association 
(of which he was treasurer and a director), the Brewmasters' 
Association, the Original Brewers' and Coopers' Benevolent As- 
sociation (an organization which was called into existence by 
the old brewers, in the 6o's, and which then included among 
its members some of our old-established and most successful 
brewers of the present time), and Mr. Schmitt succeeded his 
father as treasurer of the last-named association, serving seven 
years— his father having served 17 years as its first incumbent — 
and is now an honorary member and trustee. His business 
training is evidence of his qualifications as chief executive of 
the Department of Parks of the Borough of the Bronx. So- 
cially, Mr. Schmitt was connected for years with the German 
Liederkranz, and is a member of the Arion Society, the Demo- 
cratic Club, the Wyandotte Club (of which he is vice-presi- 
dent), the Irish Athletic Club, the Central Turn Verein (where 
he was active in the fencing section), and other associations. 
He has been a tireless worker in local politics, and an ardent 
admirer and loyal supporter of Senator Victor J. Dowling. 



FRANCIS CRAWFORD was well known in the Bronx 
not only on account of his wealth but because he took a humane 
interest in everything pertaining to the progress and development 
of the region he loved so well. He was gifted with unusual 
foresight and it was evident from the result of his life work 
that he had shown good judgment in developing and improving 
VVilliamsbridge and other sections of the Bronx. He worked 
indefatigably to secure schools, fire-houses and other public 
inilities, and was the one individual most active and instrumental 
in the building and equipping of the Olin Methodist Episcopal 
Church, one of the finest church edifices in the Bronx. Mr. 
Crawford was of good Scotch-Irish ancestry; he was born in 
County Fermanagh, in the North of Ireland, on January 15, 1840, 
and was the only child' of George Crawford and Ann Little 
Crawford. His education and early training were received in 
his native place. He learned the grocery and leather business 
luider the watchful and careful eye of his uncle, Francis Little, 
after whom he was named; for seven years he served that 
relative faithfully and well, and, in 1863, he entered into business 
for himself, conducting it for three years; but not being satisfied 
with the success he attained, he concluded to sell out and go to 
.■Vmerica. He arrived in New York City September i, 1867, 
where in a short time he obtained a position in the office of a 
real estate operator with whom he remained for two years, 
becoming expert in that line. In 1869 Mr. Crawford entered 
into the real estate business for himself, not merely as an oper- 
ator and speculator but as a builder as well. In his commercial 
\entures he met with extraordinary success from the start and 
erected many of the finest private dwellings in New York City. 
.Mr. Crawford was one of the pioneers in the building up of 
;hat portion of the city west of Central Park, erecting as many 
as twenty-six large and costly private houses on West Seventy- 
second Street alone. He was a generous, philanthropic and 
Christian man, fond of church and home, and always a friend 
of the needy. He enjoyed reading, and was particularly well 
informed on the Bible, a book he always loved. He was fond of 
travel and made many trips to Europe, the Bahamas, Bermuda 
and other places of interest and recreation. Mr. Crawford 
hated strong drink in any form, and practised what he preached. 
His teachings on the temperance question were well known among 
his friends and acquaintances and were not without marked 
influence in bis community. In politics he was an uncompromis- 
ing prohibitionist ; he was a member of the National and State 
Committee of the party, and, in 1896, was the Prohibition party 
nominee for State Treasurer; in the year preceding his death 
he was that party's candidate for Comptroller of Greater New 
York. He was a member of the National Temperance Society 
and chairman of its finance committee. He was President of 
the Board of Trustees of the Olin Methodist Episcopal Church, 
and for twenty-six years was the Superintendent of the Sunday 
school of that church. He was a member of the Board of Dis- 
trict Stewards of the New York East Conference and of the 
City Church Extension Society. He also served as member 
of the building committees of the Sixty-first Street and the 
Olin Methodist Episcopal churches. For several years he was 
a member of the Board of Education in Wakefield. He was a 
member of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museiim of 
Natural History, the American Geographical Society, the New 
York Zoological Society and the Bronx Botanical Society, and 
other associations. Mr. Crawford resided in the Bronx since 
1876, and his late residence on 232d Street is one of the most 
beautiful in that vicinity. The house and grounds show his 
artistic nature and affirm the love that he possessed for his 
family, whose happiness was always his first consideration. 
During the last years of his busy life he suffered from a compli- 





^^^ "vi^^^^^H 


^^.£^^1 




SIGMUND FEUST 



FRANZ FREDERICK LAWRENCE KIRCHOFF 





WILLIAM R. STRICH 



PAUL M. ZEIDLER 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



309 



ration of diseases, which eventually carried him away. lie 
departed this life May 31, 1902, lieloved and respected by '.ill 
wlio knew hini. Mr. Crawford was united in marriage to Miss 
Margaret Coalter. daughter of James and Mary Coalter, of 
Enniskiilen, Ireland, on Feljruary 5. 1864. Nine children blessei! 
the union, of wliom are now living four daughters and two 
sons. Their names are Elizabeth A., wife of William E. Diller. 
M.D. ; Mary Emma, wife of Willnir L. Varian ; Frances L.. 
wife of Robert M. Lowitz ; Sarah G., wife of Daniel M. Hop- 
ping: James C. Crawford and Francis G. Crawford. Mrs. 
Crawford survives her husband and resides at the family 
residence. 

SfGMUND FEUST, one of the active and enterprising 
citizens of the Bronx, who has figured conspicuously in the 
advancement of great public improvements in tlie Great Burough. 
was born in Bavaria 61 years ago. and came to the United 
States in 1863, during the progress of the civil war. In 1886 he 
came to the Bronx, and has been one of its most foremost 
citizens ever since. After acquainting himself with the most 
needed requirements for the benefit of the people, he identified 
himself with every movement that had a tendency to increase 
public improvement and benefit the people at large. His efforts 
were so zealous, that his spirit of enterprise was acknowledged 
by the public men of the borough, and he was made secretary 
of the Twenty-third Ward Property Owners' Association, and 
afterwards President of the South Bronx Property Owners' 
Association. While occupying these positions, he did herculean 
work for the Bronx people. Senator Guy and .\ssemblyman 
Butts had passed through the Legislature the 5-cent street car 
fare bill for the Bronx, and as there seemed to be some doubt 
whether the Governor (Roswell P. Flower) would permit the 
bill to become a law, Mr. Feust called for and had a large public 
meeting held, in wdiich he advocated that the people of the 
Bronx should petition the Governor to sign the bill, notwith- 
standing that Grover Cleveland., the former Governor, had 
vetoed a similar bill during his administration. Mr. Feust, 
at this meeting, succeeded in getting up a monster petition, 
which was sent to Governor Flower, and he made the 5-cent 
bill a law. Transportation facilities at this time were entirely 
inadequate, and in order to secure through trains for the 
Bronx, Mr. Feust caused the Property Owners' Association 
of the Twenty-third Ward to retain as counsel the Hon. A. 
C. Hottenroth, and pay liim a retainer to fight the roads, and 
compel them to give the Bronx through trains. Hon. Geo. 
F. Grossman was the plaintiflf for the people, but the suit 
was won by Mr. Hottenroth. Before one of these meetings he 
also moved and caused a resolution to form a taxpayers' al- 
liance, to which he was appointed a delegate. Thus was 
formed the first nucleus of the famous Taxpayers' Alliance 
of the Bronx, whicli has developed itself into one of the strong- 
est and most influential public organizations in the Borough. 
It was Mr. Feust who made the first move to have the surface 
cars run through Morris Avenue, with the aid of that public 
spirited citizen, Capt. Charles G. Baxter. Mr. Feust is the 
champion and energetic agitator at present to compel the surface 
railroads to charge but one fare (5 cents) through Manhattan 
and the Bronx. Successful in all his public-spirited enterprises, 
he feels assured thai in the near future he will secure for the 
people a 5-cent fare throughout Manhattan and the Bronx. The 
gentleman has won his laurels as one of the most public-spirited 
citizens in the Bronx; and for his gallant work he has the high- 
est approbation of his fellow citizens. 



STRICll & ZEIDLER.— To those intimately acquainted 
with the history of .\mericau piano manufacture, the achieve- 
ments of the New York Ikjusc of Strich & Zeidler partake 
of the phenomenal. To the outside world, and even among 
those who should be more or less familiar with the true state 
of affairs as related to the manufacture of pianos, the various 
members of the piano manufacturing industry are, as a rule, 
classified in one heterogeneous whole. In other words, a piano- 
maker is a piano maker, regardless of the precise status or class 
ification of this specific product. As a matter of absolute 
and ascertained fact, however, the widest kind of chasm meta- 
phorically exists between piano makers who confine their en- 
ergies to the production of ordinary or everyday pianos — com- 
mercial or medium grade pianos as they are technically desig- 
nated — and those makers wlii>. imbued with high ideals, bend 
their energies and talents in the direction of producing instru- 
ments of the highest possible distinction. This latter condi- 
tion has been singularly and most successfully demonstrated by 
the members of the distinguished house who form the sub- 
ject of this sketch. To the initiated, the rise and progress of 
the house of Strich & Zeidler appears almost in the light of a 
romance. Starting in to manufacture pianos in the year 1889, 
equipped by natural talents and training of the highest possible 
nature, the firm of Strich & Zeidler astonished the most expert 
authorities in the American piano manufacturing industry 
through their successful efforts to manufacture pianos that 
would stand critical comparison with the leading makes in both 
the Western and Eastern Hemispheres. In all cardinal features 
of scientific and successful piano construction the Strich & Zeid- 
ler instruments are noteworthy to a degree bordering on per- 
fection. These points include a correct scale of marvelous 
evenness and uniformity, as exemplified in both Strich & Zeid- 
ler upright and grand pianos, ornate and symmetrical case de- 
signs, classic in outline, and individual in conception, a sym- 
pathetic, refined, rich and musical tone — resonant to a degree — 
a tone that is the accepted standard of many of the best judges 
of piano tone in the country, together with a rich internal and 
external finish which has proved the envy of scores of piano 
makers, who have striven religiously to attain that potent de- 
sideratum of high grade piano manufacture — a superior finish. 
Much could be said and written relative to the rare individu- 
ality and singular excellence of construction attained in the 
manufacture of the Strich & Zeidler product. Suffice it to say 
that both in cultured homes and in musical salons, also in the 
wider domain of concert work, the Strich & Zeidler piano has 
been the recipient of countless endorsements, many of which 
have emanated from some of the most noted musicians in the 
country. In the Strich & Zeidler factory a special department 
is devoted to the production of grand pianos, and another de- 
partment is given over to upright and grand pianos of special 
designs and artistic finish. In both these important branches of 
specialized piano making the firm of Strich & Zeidler has 
achieved results of the most praisewortlly and far reaching 
nature. It is well within reasonable bounds to state that in the 
production of wood sculpture, as applied to piano case decora- 
tion. Strich & Zeidler have created a series of chef d'oeuvre that 
have not been surpassed, if indeed equaled, in the whole range 
of effort made in that particular department of work. Regard- 
ing one of these beautiful instruments, a celebrated art critic 
wrote as follows: "As a specimen of what can be accomplished 
in wood sculpture in the decoration of a musical instrument, 
I believe the equal of this work has never been seen m this 
country, and I think it sets a pace for a new era in piano deco- 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



3n 



ration in tlie United States of America." One of the instru- 
ments was placed in tlic Waldorf Astoria Hotel, New York 
City, in which historic hostelry its architectural completeness 
created favorable expressions of admiration from countless 
guests and visitors, among whom were noted connoisseurs. 
Another of these art pianos was exhibited in the Wisconsin 
State Building, at the World's Fair, St. Louis, where it created 
:i sensation among aesthetic minds, well compefenl to pass judg- 
ment on the higher phases of piano building. At the termina- 
tion of the St. Louis World's Fair, the following letter, from 
Vice-President A. J. Lindeman, of the board of directors of the 
Wisconsin State Building, was received by Messrs. Strich & 
Zeidler relative to this masterpiece: 

St.\te (IF Wisconsin Board of I\I.\n.\gers. 
VV. D. Hoard, Fort Atkinson, Pres. 

.\. J. Lindemann, Milwaukee, Vice-Pres. THE FAIR OPENS 
S. A. Cook, Neenah. Treas. IN APRIL, 1904. 

W. H. Flett, Merrill. 
Wm. A. Scott, Madison. 
R. D. Rood, Stevens Point, Sec'y. 

of the 

St. Louis World's Fair. 

Messrs. Strich & Zeidler, Milwaukee. Dec. Sth. 1904. 

New York, N. Y. 

Gentlemen — -It is the expressed desire of the Board of Di- 
rectors of the Wisconsin State Building, to record their appre- 
ciation of the courtesy shown by your house, in placing on ex- 
hibition in your building at the St. Louis World's Fair, the 
magnificent Strich & Zeidler piano, which you were kind 
enough to loan us. Permit me to assure you of my personal 
gratitude in this matter. The instrument is truly a superb 
specimen of artistic piano making, that by reason of its archi- 
tectural grace and musical superiority has evoked warm ex- 
pressions of approval from countless visitors at the St. Louis 
Exposition. It must indeed be both a pleasure and a privilege 
to be engaged in so worthy an occupation, as is exemplified in 
the beautiful instruments, bearing the honored and renowned 
name of Strich & Zeidler, and I avail myself of this oppor- 
tunity of wishing you the highest form of success in the opera- 
tion of your valued labors, in the field of artistic piano man- 
ufacture. 

Yours truly, 
State of Wisconsin Board of Managers. 
[Dictated.] By A. J. Lindetnann, 

Vice-President. 

As producers of grand pianos Strich & Zeidler have 
achieved a reputation of national significance. Their "Diminu- 
tive Grand" is considered by many good judges to be the best 
grand piano on the market, dimensions taken into considera- 
tion. It may also be mentioned that among other honors con- 
ferred, the Strich & Zeidler instruments were awarded a di- 
ploma and medal at the Cotton Slates and Industrial Exposi- 
tion held in Atlanta, Ga., 1895. During the spring of the pres- 
ent year, Strich & Zeidler in order to more adequately take 
care of their rapidly growing ti-ade, moved their extensive 
plant into a splendidly equipped new factory, situated at Alex- 
ander Avenue and l,32d Street, New York, having a capacity of 
oxer 2.000 instruniients per year. A word of reference and 
commendation is certainly due to these scientific artisans, who 
by dint of earnest work and prolonged endeavor have so 
worthily maintained the highest traditions of the art industry 
they so worthily represent. William R. Strich, whose portra''. 



rqipoars nn page ,?o<S, was Ijorn in New York City in 1863. He was 
iiliicau-d ai I he Columbia Grammar School, New York, and subse- 
quently adopted piano making as a profession, gaining his 
initial experience in an institution that is undoubtedly the finest 
school of piano making in the world, .\part from'his skill as a 
piano maker, which has been so completely demonstrated in the 
Strich & Zeidler product, Mr. Strich has demonstrated finan- 
cial and executive abilities of a high order, he having presided 
over the fiscal department of this enterprise since its inception. 
Mr. Strich is a prominent Mason, and a member of the German 
Liederkranz Society of New York. He was married to Miss 
I'.ertha V. Zeller, member of a prominent New York family. 
April 29, 1897. Mr. Strich is an unostentatious gentleman of 
simple tastes. He enjoys the friendship of scores of men 
prominent in the commercial world, who esteem him for his 
robust integrity and other sterling qualities. Paul M. Zeidler, 
of the firm of Strich & Zeidler, whose portrait is shown on 
page 308. was born in Germany, November 7, 1862, and came to 
this country at an early age. Mr. Zeidler was educated in the 
public schools of New York, supplementing his scholastic 
career by pursuing additional studies at the Cooper Institute. 
He is a prominent Episcopalian, and a member of the Masonic 
fraternity. On June 7, 1894, Mr. Zeidler married Miss Mar- 
garet Merlihan. of Guelph, Ontario. Canada, two children, Paul 
Frederick and Florence Margaret having blessed the union. As an 
expert scale draughtsman and an all-round piano mechanic, Mr. 
Zeidler has made his impress upon the piano making industry of 
America. The superb Strich & Zeidler upright and grand scales, 
that for evenness and accuracy are scarcely surpassed, are the 
direct result of Mr. Zeidler's scientific knowledge and intelligently 
directed experimentation. They stand as a living monument to 
his genius. Regarding the future growth and achievements of 
the house of Strich & Zeidler, it requires no prophet to read 
the horoscope, and it is but reasonable to conclude, that bril- 
liant as have been the attainments of Strich & Zeidler, their 
most important triumphs are yet to come. The history of the 
Strich & Zeidler house, to date alone, sheds lustre on the en- 
tire American piano industry. 

JACOB DOLL, the eminent piano manufacturer and 
founder of the firm of Jacob Doll & Sons, whose extensive piano 
manufactory is situated on the Southern Boulevard and Cy- 
press Avenue, was born in Germany in 1849. Forty years ago 
he came to the United States and made a heroic and success- 
ful struggle as a maker of pianofortes. His methods and sys- 
tem employed in the construction of his instruments are and 
always were original with himself, and have made his name 
famous throughout the civilized world. His instruments are 
considered in all countries marvels of mechanism, wonderful 
in the purity of their tone, and perfect in finish and construc- 
tion. His piano player, which is one of the special features of 
Jacob Doll & Sons, is so completely connected with the piano 
proper on the inside, that it is hidden entirely from view, and 
does not detract from the beauty of the instrument. This 
piano player is the creation of Mr. Doll and has attained such 
popularity throughout the musical centers of this and other 
countries, that the firm are manufacturing about one hundred 
and seventy-five pianos per week, and they e.xpect at an early 
day to double this capacity. The name of Jacob Doll & Sons 
is synonymous in the United States and all foreign countries, 
as their instruments have the confidence of all musical dealers 
and musicians for their substantial and perfect construction. 
Mr. Doll has four sons associated with him in business. The 





J. GEORGE LAFFARGUE 



ALBERT STAIB 





LOUIS RICCA 



HUGO F. RICCA 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



313 



firni was incorporated in 1904 as ihc Jacob Doll & Sons Piano 
Company. The factory is a sulislantial sevcn-slory struclnre 
with a frontage of 250 feet on the Sonthcrn Boulevard and 150 
feet on Cypress Avenue in the Borough of the Bronx, with 
branches at No. 92 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan, Otto Doll, man- 
ager, and at No. 197 Market Street, Newark, N. J., where 
I'Vederick Doll is in charge. The officers of the company are : 
Jacob Doll, president; Otto Doll, vice-president; Frederick 
Doll, secretary; George Doll, treasurer; Jacob Doll. Jr.. assist 
ant treasurer. Jacob Doll, Sr., is a gentleman of very strik- 
ing personality ; he is affable and decidedly pleasant in man- 
ner, and is considered an accomplished man of affairs. He 
is perhaps one of the most skillful musical mechanics known to 
the piano trade, as is evidenced by the great reputation he has 
established for bis inslruinenls. 

FRANZ FREDERICK LAWRENCE KIRCIIOFF, the 
manufacturer of the popular and superior Kirchoff piano, was 



and is practically learning under his tutelage all branches of the 
piano trade. 

J. GEORGE LAFFARGUE, a native of France, where he 
was brought up and went to school, is one of those extensive 
Bronx piano manufacturers whose numerous works line South- 
ern Boulevard from the Third Avenue Bridge almost to Port 
Morris. His place of business is at 140th Street and the Boule- 
vard. It is operated under the name of The Laffargue Co., Inc., 
with Mr. Laffargue as president, and Mr. J. Oktave vice-presi- 
dent. It is an imposing institution, employing many hands, and 
a factor of note in the industrial life of the borough. Mr. 
Laffargue has made this city his home for seventeen years. He 
is not much of a politician or society man, but belongs to one 
substantial and influential order, namely, the Masonic. 

LOUIS RICCA, the well known Piano Manufacturer of the 
Borough of the Bronx, was born at Naples, Italy, in 1853, and 
was educated at the Victor Emanuel Lyceum in his native coun- 




Jacob Dol.'s 

born at Aachen, Rhine province. Germany, fifty-one years ago 
There he went to school and passed his boyhood, and mastered 
his trade, that of a cabinet maker, and learned the piano trade 
thoroughly. Coming here to this city he engaged in piano manu- 
facture, was employed by Decker Bros, and spent fourteen 
years at it with Steinway & Sons. He was foreman for five 
years with the latter concern. He made it his purpose at this 
time to perfect himself in every branch of the trade. Beginning 
on his own account four years ago, he started the manufacturing 
(if pianos, and from the beginning he made his own cases, as few 
piano manufacturers do. He does a wholesale and retail busi- 
ness both, and sells all over the United States. When he began 
he made but three or four instruments a week ; now he pro- 
duces ten in that same time. Mr. Kirchoff was married first in 
Germany in 1879, to Miss Hobertina Scheeren. He has three 
children of that marriage living, two daughters and a son. In 
1899 he married his second wife, Josephine Lennatz. Her son, 
Oscar, who is a music engraver, is in business with Mr. Kirchoff 



Piano Fac'ory 

try. He has been a resident of the Bronx for the past twenty- 
three years, and is highly esteemed for his business activity, and 
the great interest he manifests in the rapid growth and develop- 
ment of the Borough. As a manufacturer of pianos, he has 
gained unenviable notoriety for the excellent character of the 
instruments he turns out, which are so well known that he 
sends them to all parts of both continents, where they are 
known by musical critics and dealers as perfection in finish, and 
imsurpassable in tone by any other similar instrument manu- 
factured here or elsewhere. Mr. Ricca's manufactory 
is one of the best equipped in all of its appointments of 
any of the numerous factories in the Greater New York. His 
building is large and imposing, his employees are practical and 
skillful musical mechanics, and every department is under the 
vigilant eye of Mr. Ricca, while every one of the numerous parts 
that enter into the construction of the instrument undergoes the 
most thorough inspection before it is placed in its proper position. 



314 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



Such methods coupled with his superior knowledge of the busi- 
ness, accounts for the great favor in which his instruments are 
held wherever introduced or purchased. Mr. Ricca in 1877 
married Miss .\mclia Cannavale and has three children, Hu.s^o, 
Stephanie and Marguerette. 

HUGO F. RICCA, son of Louis Ricca. the prominent piano 
manufacturer and associated with him in business was l)orn at 
Naples, Italy, June 21st, 1878. He came to the United States 
about 1880, and was sent to the public schools, and afterwards 
to the Chase Preparatory School, and from thence to the Poly- 
technic Institute of Brooklyn, taking the Civil Engineer Course, 
where he graduated. He then became associated with his father's 
business, and has applied himself assiduously to aiding in develop- 
ing the industry from its small beginning up to the vast pro- 
portions that it occupies at the present time. There i*; not a 
detail connected with the manufacture of pianos that has not 
been mastered by young Mr. Ricca, whose aptitude and remark- 
able intelligence fitted him for the responsible position he as- 
sumed as his father's associate in the conduct of the business. 
Mr. Ricca is a member of All Saints Church, the Harlem Dem- 
ocratic Club, the Pleiades Club, and the Ronkonkoma Driving 
Club. He is not married, and applies all of his excellent talents 
and time during business hours to the furtlu-r progress of his 
large and successful business. 

JOIIN H. LUDVVIG. the famous piano manufaclurcr. ;i 
native of the Borough of the Bronx, was educated at the 
Melrose public school. He chose ihe trade of piano making, 




JOHN H. LUDWIG 



and after a few years' service, became one of the most expert 
mechanics in the business in bench work and piano tuning. 
Conceiving an idea to manufacture pianos, Mr. Ludwig started 



in busmess for himself in i8go, when the first Ludwig Piano 
was brought into existence, forming the foundation of this now 
famous house, which employs at present over 250 workmen, and 
an output of more than 3,500 pianos annually has been reached. 
Artistic development at the least possible cost, and the ad- 
vantages of almost faultless manufacturing, has created for the 
Ludwig piano, among all the principal dealers throughout the 
United States, the only strictly high grade piano, sold at a 
reasonable margin above the cost of manufacture. It is an 
instrument whose sale is exceeded by very few in the grei'i 
American piano industry. Experts have agreed that it has some 
very exclusive features which are improvements of great value 
It has won distinction in several competitive exhibits, and re- 
ceived a high award at the Paris Exhibition of 1900, and received 
the highest award given to pianos at the Pan-American Exposi- 
tion at Buffalo in 1901. Hundreds of eminent artists and musi- 
sians have endorsed the Ludwig piano in terms of the highest 
praise. In 1897, Ludwig & Co. opened up a number of retail 
branches, forming a spec ial company for this purpose which 
are under the direction of competent men, who have an interest 
in the company. These ventures have been eminently success- 
ful, and to show their appreciation of their employees' zeal, 
has stimulated a further consistent extension by the incorpora- 
tion of the old partnership firm into a stock company for the 
object of amalgamating the employees' inteligence with their 
capital. This was effected by giving the foreman one-tenth part 
interest in the business, to exemplify that in co-operation there 
is strength. The house is also a general factor for the sale of 
the piano player, known as "Claviola," which was awarded the 
gold medal at the Pan-American Exposition at Buffalo. Mr. 
Ludwig is a Democrat in politics, and is a member of the New 
York .Athletic Club, and the Piano Manufacturers' Association 

ALBERT STAIB, manufacturer, inventor and president of 
the Staib-Abendschcin Co., manufacturers of piano actions, 
was born in Xcw York City, May i, T863, and was educated in 
the public schools. The son of John Staib, a veteran and emi- 
nent manufacturer of piano actions in New York, he was taken 
l>y the latter into Decker's Piano Manufacturing Co. and was 
liberally and practically trained in piano action building, in 
which his father was one of the most skilful in this or any 
other couiUry. In 1890 Mr. John Staib organized the pres- 
ent Staib-.Aliendschein Co.. as its president, with Mr. George 
.'Abendscheir. as treasurer, with Mr. G. F. Abendschein the 
former'^ son, as secretary, the factory being located at Nos. 
.;J7 tn -(53 West Twenty-sixth Street. New Y'ork City. On 
January 2(\ 1892. M)\ John Staib, the founder of this succes^- 
fjil house, died, and in the reorganization of the company. Mi. 
Allien .Staili. hi^ son, was elected as its president to succeed 
liis fall'.tr. ill'- meclianical genius of the father was in thi-- 
instance n'.uisniitted Id son and it was for this remarkable 
ability he was chosen as the head of the large and progressive 
concern. Finding, during the years 1893 and 1894, that the 
capacity of their factory on Twenty-si.xth Street was inadequate 
to meet the demands of their rapidly growing business, they 
built a new six-story brick manufactory at the corner of 134th 
.Street and Brook avenue. New York, which was fitted up with 
all the latest piano action machinery for uprights and grands, 
with Mr. ,\lbert Staib's inventions, many of these machines 
costing thousands of dollars, and of the most intricate char- 
acter, performing remarkable and accurate work in the con- 
struction of their wonderful piano actions, there being nothing 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



3J5 



in this country to excel or compete with them. The question 
of their advance and popularity in the trade is shown from 
the fact that when first organized, in i8go. they made up to the 
time of tlieir removal into their present extensive buildings, in 
1895. 5,000 instruments per annum. To-day their entire output 
is up to 20,000 instruments per annum, or over 375 sets per 
week, which, through the mar\ellous facilities they employ- in 
machinery and skilled mechanics, they can increase at their 
own, option. The material used in the construction of their 
action making, is of the best that can be procured, and one of the 
most important factors that enters into it is thoroughly sea- 
soned lumber, the best and ■ most carefully selected of wdiich 
they carry constantly in stock, 240,000 feet of maple at their 
factory, and a similar number of feet at the famous mills in the 
Adirondack Mountains, receiving the necessary air cure. 
Manufacturing both grand and upright actions, their work 
is guaranteed to be of the highest grade, combining all of the 
most modern ideas of a practical nature. The mechanical de- 



i'ronx, he is known as one of its first citizens, who takes an 
active interest in every public improvement that has a tendency 
to develop its growth and influence in the constellation of the 
boroughs that go to make up our Greater New York. In it he 
has been an independent factor in developing one of its great 
industries, and now at the prime of his life he gives promise 
to maintain, not only his present wonderful status, but to ac- 
complish greater and grander results in the future. 

GEORGE C. DRESSEL.— The Dressel Railway Lamp 
Works, 3866 to 3878 Park Avenue, was organized by George C. 
Dressel in the year 1881, under the firm name of George C. 
Dressel & Co. The founder of the business, whose picture ap- 
pears elsewhere, was born in Frankfort, Germany, in the year 
1828, and came to this country in 1849 in a slow sailing vessel ; 
the fast and elegant passenger steamers of to-day being a thing 
then unheard of. Crossing the ocean at that time was often a 
journey of weeks. After spending 18 years in the etnploy of the 




Dressel Railway Lamp Works 



partment of the concern is under the direct supervision of 
Mr. Albert Staib. tlie president, wdio is so well qualified for the 
work, and which he supervises in every detail. The finances 
are attended to by Mr. George Abendschein and the general 
management of the extensive business is conducted by Mr. G. 
v. Abendschein. By the conscientious efforts of this notable in- 
dustry in the Borough of the Bronx, a grateful patronage from 
all parts of the United States has been their reward, for which 
they feel grateful and will endeavor by the same spirit of enter- 
prise and practical ability to retain and gain new clients in the 
future. Mr. Albert Staib has been a resident of the Bronx for 
the past ten years; in politics he is independent, and is a promi- 
nent member of the North Side Board of Trade, the Schnorer 
and Longwood Clubs. On January 23. 1886, he was married 
to Miss Ernestine Wagner, an estimable and cultivated young 
lady, the result of this happy union being three daughters, Edith 
P., Louisa B., and Minnie C. Staib, and resides at 754 Prospect 
Avenue. As president of one of the most extensive piano ac- 
tion manufacturing concerns in the great Borough of the 



New York Central & lliuNim River Radroad Company as an 
expert mechanic, he resigned, and in 1881 entered into partner- 
ship with his youngest son, h'rcderick W. Dressel, the firm being 
known as George C. Dressel & Co. A small factory was erected 
on the north side of 173d Street, between Washington and Park 
._. ,L., s.u, Si.;iiC.s a or.e of the landmarks of the neigh- 
borhood, and in conipaiis.in with the present factory it can 
hardly be l)elieved that sucii was the beginning of the extensive 
business now carried on. The first product of manufacture was 
a practical lunch satclicl suitable for railroad men and mechanics. 
By thrift and good management the firm soon increased their 
number of employees and .-tarted the manufacture of signal 
lamps. This proved successful and the business grew so rapidly 
that the manufacture of lunch boxes was discontinued and the 
entire time devoted to tlie manufacture and improvement of all 
lamps devoted to railway lighting. The eldest son, Charles H. 
Dressel, in 1892, became a member of the firm, which soon out- 
grew their original quarters and in the year 1893 additional prop- 
erty was acquired on Park, then V'anderbill, .Avenue, and in th'- 



\ 




% ^JL 




\^^J§ 




V ■ 


■ . 



GEORGE C. DRESSEL 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



317 



following year the present factory was erected. New macliinery 
of improved design was purchased and by the mechanical ability 
of all the members of the firm, many new inventions as well as 
numerous improvements were made, and the firm soon gained 
the reputation of making superior lamps both as to quality, dura- 
bility and effectiveness. In addition to making lamps of num- 
erous designs, the firm next commenced the manufacture and 
sale of locomotive headlights of improved patterns, also many 
styles of burners patented by themselves, and many of the vari- 
ous articles manufactured have been adopted as standard by the 
largest railroads of the United States. The firin was incorpo- 
rated under the laws of the State of New York on January 15, 
1895, adopting the new name of The Dressel Railway Lainp 
Works, with George C. Dressel president, Frederick \V. Dressel 
vice-president, and Charles H. Dressel secretary, there being no 
change of officers until the death of George C. Dressel, president, 
July 3, 1899, after an illness extending over a period of years. 
After the death of his father, Frederick W. Dressel was elected 
president of the corporation and Charles H. Dressel vice-presi- 
dent, these positions now bting held by them. Owing to the 
rapid increase in business the firm found it necessary to increase 
the directorship and in 1900 they secured the services of Robert 
Black, an experienced railroad luan and for many years road- 
master of the Manhattan Railway Company of this city, he having 
aided in the construction and operation of the entire elevated 
railway system, resigning Iiis position with said company after 
a continued service of thirty-five years. Mr. Black not only 
serves the firm as a director but is also secretary and manager. 
'Ihc products of the firm are used principally in this country, 
but in recent years their lamps have been put in use on several 
railroads in Mexico, Cuba rnd South America; locomotives for 
use in China and Japan have also been equipped with their 
headlights. In recent years the firm has extensively experi- 
mented with both electricity and acetylene gas for railway light- 
ing and are frequently called upon to fill orders where these 
systems of lighting are specified. The permanent growth of the 
business during the past ten years has made the present quarters 
of the firm inadequate, and plans have been carried out lo 
enlarge the plant to more than double its present capacity which, 
when completed, will greatly increase the present industries by 
the manufacture of electrical goods, navy lanterns, automobile 
lamps, etc. The present plant consists of three floors and base- 
ment. The basement is used for the storage of material for 
manufacturing purposes; also the plating and burnishing depart- 
ments are here located. The first floor is utilized as machine 
shop, press room, packing and shipping department and offices. 
The lighter grades of work are done on the second floor, such 
as spinning, assembling and japanning departments. Except for 
the l)ufting and polishing departments the entire third floor is 
used exclusively for the manufacture of locomotive headlights. 
.Ml work is so systematized that each department is conducted 
practically as a separate business ; all foremen are held responsi- 
ble for the work conducted in their particular department ; each 
one acting entirely independent of any other. In accountmg, 
each department is charged with the labor and material used 
therein and all sales are credited to the department to which it 
belongs. For several years the firm has operated its own foun- 
dry, also tinning plant, making il possible to construct any api! 
every part of their product except steel, glass and sheet metals. 
In reality there are several hundred styles of lamps in use on 
railroads, each road having soine system of lighting that would 
not be applicable to all. This necessarily calls for many styles 
and colors of lenses and adds grcaily to the details of manu- 



facture. The main office of the firm is in the factory building, 
but they nave found it necessary to open a brinch office in the 
business section of the city They also have representatives in 
Chicago, St. Louis, San Francisco and Richmond. It is recalled 
by members of the firm that only a few years ago their workmen 
were able to rent small houses with gardens on land now used as 
streets, but owing to the tremendous growth of the city in this 
direction this is simply a memory of the past, for the congested 
conditions of the lower part of the city is now fully apparent 
in this locality. Park Avenue is now a recognized locality for 
many factories of various description. 

GEORGE HAISS MANUFACTURING COMPANY.— 
Among the many manufacturing establishments lately established 
in the Borough of the Bronx, is the George Haiss Manufacturing 
Company, at Rider Avenue and 141st Street, manufacturing a full 
line of Coal Handling Machinery, including the Haiss Improved 
Hoisting Engines, especially adapted to coal hoisting demands 
and requirement; also the Haiss Improved Clani-Shell Bucket 
and all the other machinery necessary to complete and equip a 
coal handling plant. The company is now putting up a large 
four-story building, fifty by one hundred feet, with its length 
fronting on Rider Avenue, to accommodate tlie constantly grow- 
ing demands of the business, which will give more than 40,000 
square feet of floor surface and will be a model manufacturing 
plant in every respect, as all the modern improvements will be 
introduced that will in any way add to the convenience or effi- 
ciency of the plant, the product of which goes to every part ot 
the United States and Canada. Most of the coal handling plants 
of the Bronx have been designed and erected by this company, 
and a very convincing idea of the extent of the work that has 
been done can be had by standing on the bridge across the Mott 
Haven Canal at 138th Street and looking down the canal, as 
all the coal hoisting and handling plants there were designed and 
erected by this company. The inducement that prompted the 
company to locate in the Bronx, was due to the superior shipping 
facilities afforded here and the recognition of the fact that there 
must be an unparalleled growth and development, all of which 
has been and is being realized. Mr. Haiss early realized that 
there was great room for improvement in the machinery neces- 
sary to handle coal economically and set about to perfect and 
introduce his ideas, adopting for his motto, "Nothing is good 
enough that can be made better," and the success that has crowned 
his efforts is ample evidence that he was right. The company 
takes contracts to erect and equip complete coal handling plants 
all over the country, manufacturing the necessary machinery in 
the shops, and buying lumber and timber from the nulls in the 
South by the cargo, enables it to successfully compete with any in 
the same line as to price, and when there is added the personal 
supervision and careful attention to all the minutia of detail that 
is given all along the line from the start to the finish it is easily 
seen that merit must win in this as in all other lines. George 
Haiss was born in Bethel, Sullivan County, New York, 45 years 
ago, and was the third son of Charles and Elizabeth Haiss, who 
lanie from Wurlemberg. Germany, in 1847. and were among 
the first German settlers of Sullivan County. His early educa- 
tion was acquired in the public schools of his native county. In 
1878 he came to New York and became identified with the manu- 
facturing and building interests, in the meantime taking up the 
study of mechanical engineering as business would permit and 
which he is still continuing. In 1886 he became connected with 
the coal business, at that time known as Haiss Brothers, which 
he followed until in 1892 seeing the need of improved machinery 





CE3RCE HAISS 



WILLIAM TAYLOR 





OEORCE HEY 



WILLIAM H. BRANDT 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



3J9 



to liamllc coal economically, and licing of an inventive turn 
of mind, he put up one of the first machines for handling coal 
in his own business. Its success being so marked he retired 
from the coal business and immediately began to manufacture 
and construct a line of coal handling machinery. In the course 
of his business he has invented and patented more than a dozen 
different machines and devices which are being used in the busi- 
ness, and with an inventor at the head and surrounded with a 
competent stafif of engineers the company is one of the up-to- 
date concerns of the Bronx. 

SCHIEFFELIN & COMPANY'S LABORATORY.— For 
one hundred and eleven years the drug house of Schieffelin & Co. 
has stood for honorable dealing; without interruption generation 
after generation of the same family have conducted the business 
and maintained its high reputation. Founded in 1794 by Jacob 
Schieffelin, it was continued in 1S14 by his son, Henry Hamilton 
Schieffelin, and in 1849 by his son, Samuel Bradhurst Schieffelin ; 



more so. In the construction one of the principal objects has 
been not only to make the building as such fire-proof, but to make 
each section a fire-proof unit. In order to obtain at the same 
time a large floor space unobstructed by as few columns as pos- 
sible, a peculiar construction became necessary. It consists of 
steel columns supporting a triangular frame work of steel beams, 
which are braced by brackets, thus allowing a very wide span 
between the columns, on the cantilever system. The spaces be- 
tween the steel beams are filled in solidly with a concrete of Port- 
land cement. Therefore, as there are no openings between the 
floors, and as the partitions are made of rock plaster on metal, 
if any fire occurred, it would be confined to the room in which 
it started. The floors are all graded to different flush outlets, 
and the sills of the doors are raised three inches above the 
lloors, so that no water can overflow from one floor to another 
and thus do damage which might not be occasioned by fire. The 
window frames are of iron, and in the places where the fire 
shutters would be required by law they have been replaced by 




Schietfclin & Company's L.ibor.itory 



then in 11865 by his son, Wm. Henry Schieffelin, and in 1895 by 
his son, Wm. Jay Schieffelin, in each case in partnership with 
brothers or cousins. The warehouse at the corner of William 
and Beckman Streets was built by the firm in 1854. and there 
the commercial part of the business is transacted, while the 
manufacturing is done in the laboratory on the Southern Boule- 
vard and St. Ann's Avenue. That the American chemist, engi- 
neer and architect, if they join their best efforts, can accomplish 
-•omething of which they need not be ashamed when compared 
with the very best the old world has produced, is demonstrated 
by this building. A chemical laboratory is proverbially an in- 
stitution to be dreaded, and to be placed under ban by the com- 
nuuiily which it has invaded. The pleasant exterior of the new 
building does anything but justice to the traditional popular re- 
quirement of such an institution. The general style of the build- 
ing is perfectly in harmony with its use, and at the same time 
pleasing and, no doubt, to most persons a surprise. If the ex- 
terior has proven unusual and interesting, the interior is even 



wired glass window panes, which may soften and crack during 
the course of a fire, but which never will break out, fall in, 
i>r warp, and, therefore, are most effectual in confining the flames 
to the room where the fire may be. The doors in the building 
are fire-doors and are hung with counterpoised weights, connected 
by a fusible connection, which melts when the temperature is 
raised, and allows the door to slide shut. There are three fire- 
escapes to the building ; one at the end of each wing, and one 
at the back. The two front fire-escapes are of stone, and are 
enclosed in brick towers. The elevator, dumb-waiter and chutes 
for refuse are all on the outside of the building. In the rooms 
where naphtha, ether, or other inflammable solvents are em- 
ployed, the electric lights have sleeves of rubber and are on one 
circuit, controlled by a switch in another part of the building, in 
order to avoid any chance of a spark. The floors of the different 
departments are of different materials, to correspond with the 
varying character of the work done. Where the work is dry, the 
floor remains of concrete, smooth and clean. Where water is 



320 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



apt to be split, as in the chemical department, the bottle washing 
room, and the pharmaceutical department, the floors are made of 
asphalt. In the acid and nitrous ether room the floor is of blue- 
flag stone laid in oil tar, graded to an earthenware drain pipe; 
and where much oil is used the floor is iron. There are a num- 
ber of drying rooms, both hot (steam heated) and cold. The 
mill drying room is situated immediately over the boilers, where 
a high temperature can be maintained. The work in the labora- 
tory is divided into departments, namely, the Analytical Depart- 
ment, Mill Department, Chemical Department, Extract Depart- 
ment, Pharmaceutical Department, Pill Department and the 
Wrapping and Shipping Department. The analytical department 
is in charge of two chemists, and besides analyzing and testing 
almost everything that is received or sent out, they are occupied 
with research and experimental work. This department occupies 
one end of the large building on the second floor, covering a 
space of 50x30 feet, divided by a solid oak partition, with plate 
glass top. One side is used for the laboratory work proper, for 
which there is ample apparatus and many improved fittings, 
such as centrifugal machines, suction and blast pump; steam 
water baths, drying closets, hood, etc. The sink and drain- 
board is made of cherry treated while in the drying kiln with 
two applications of melted parafiine. The electric lights in this 
whole department are on movable arm brackets, enabling the 
light to be put in any position desired. In the adjoining room is 
an excellent library of works on chemistry, a file of current 
chemical literature, including German and English periodicals, 
improved balances, and high power microscope; all on a working 
table which is covered with plate glass. The floor of this depart- 
ment was given two coats of paint to avoid any possibility of dust 
from the concrete. There is also a dark room for photographic 
and polariscopic work. The other departments are fitted with 
appliances appropriate for their work. The most interesting per 
haps are the large percolators in the chemical department, and 
the mammoth mixer with a capacity of two thousand pounds, 
and also the copper stills in the extract department. The above 
description calls attention primarily to those things which are 
peculiar to this laboratory rather than to those which most 
laboratories have in common. It seems almost unnecessary to 
state that most if not all of these improvements have been tried 
elsewhere. It is the bringing together of all that have proven 
successful into one organic whole, as it were, that makes the 
Schieffelin Laboratory so interesting and instructive. To enum- 
erate the chemicals and pharmaceutical preparations made in this 
laboratory would result in a list resembling very much a copy 
of a chemical or pharmaceutical catalogue and would be of 
little value. Yet it will be of interest to mention the chief pro- 
ducts which are cocaine, nitrous ether, pills and tablets, fluid 
extracts and pharmaceuticals, medicated soaps and toilet prepara- 
tions, fruit juices and syrups, efifervescing salts and lithia tab- 
lets and powdered drugs. 

WILLIAM TAYLOR.— Our subject is the well known 
superintendent and manager of the Taylor Textile Manufactur- 
ing Co., Williamsbridge. He is distinguished among business 
men of this section, as the founder and introducer of a new 
industry ; at least if not wholly that the reviver and restorer 
of it, the builder up of an institution affording means of liveli- 
hood to a large number of hands. A man of large and varied 
industrial experience, not alone in this country, but in France and 
England also, this story is interesting. Briefly it is as follows' 
He was born in Calais. France, of English parents, March 12, 
1855, and was brought up. received his schooling and mastered 
his trade there. His father, Samuel Taylor, was born in Lan- 
cashire, England; his mother was .\nn Dudnian of London, Eng- 



land. His father was a lace maker in France (Calais), when 
machine lace was made behind locked doors and the workers 
went to and from their labor as lords of the manor in silk 
hats and were very secretive as to their occupation, keeping 
strictly to themselves when away from work. Then as now we 
may say Calais led in beauty and excellence of its lace product. 
There our subject served an apprenticeship with such well 
known lace firms as Hcwett & Buttler, Daveniere, Hall Bros., 
Robert West, the noted prize winner in all our expositions of 
lace; the late Topham Bros., Darquer & Bacquet, Robert Maxton 
and others. He acquired a thorough knowledge of lace manu- 
facture in all its details at an early age. He is schooled in the 
manufacture and finishing of Band, Braided, Gimped and Bofiin 
Fining Valenciennes, Torchons, Guipures, Maltese, Clunys, 
Blondes, Hamburg and Brussels Laces, Waist and Fancy Spot and 
Sprig Netts, Russian Point, Chantilly Lace, Renaissance, Wool 
Yak and other laces, and is expirt in the setting up of fine 
machinery for the purpose, master of all the minutest details for 
the disposition of threads to obtain the best results. In 1877 he 
went from Calais to Nottingham. While there he married Fran- 
cis Beesley, daughter of Daniel Gabriel Beesley and Sarah Bar- 
nett, both of Beestou, Nottinghamshire. Thence he went bai'k 
to Calais for a while, but after two years returned to Notting- 
hamshire and became foreman and manager for G. L. Bales, 
lace manufacturers, in H. Simpsons & Co. Factory, New Bas 
ford, Nottingham. He set up and re-arranged this plant for 
the more perfect manufacture 01 bottom bar Blond and Chan- 
tilly lace, and soon made such improvements as to commanl a 
commission on the production, as well as salary, and still has 
the highest recommendations from this firm. During the ex- 
treme depression of trade in 1892 he left Nottingham and came 
to this country at the solicitation of American friends and took 
charge of H. S. Hall's lace machinery at Jersey City. There 
he made very evident improvements in the machinery' as shown 
in an improved product of silk veilings and Bordon Laces. In 
1894 he went to Nottingham, England, and to France for H. S. 
Hall and purchased improvements and accessories for the produc- 
tion of Bottom Bar cross band and Bordon laces, which were a 
great success and found a ready market. In October. 1897, he se- 
cured the .Associated Lace Company's Plant, at Williamsbridge. X. 
Y., from S. Duden and leased the factory for ten years. The plant 
and factory both he found in very bad condition. It took much 
care and labor to put them in order, as they had been tied up 
for nine or ten years, and had never before been properly set 
up. He ran the business alone for two years, and in spite of 
much adverse prejudice against domestic made lace (prejudice 
brought about by so-called experts putting into the market goods 
very nuicli below the standard) he made himself a name for 
excellence and finish in his produc'. Gradtially he got his goods 
into most of the leading houses of the city, many of whom, by 
this time, were beginning to realize that the European climate 
had nothing to do with the production of good lace, but that 
excellence depended instead on the skill of the operator. En- 
couraged by this success he incorporated in 1899 the Taylor Lace 
Company, directors. Mr. W. J. Hull, treasurer and secretary: Mr. 
Wm. Taylor, president, W. E, Mastcrton, vice-president. 
In 1902 Mr. Taylor negotiated the whole of the stock 
of the company, which was incorporated in 1899. in order lo 
re-incorporate under the name of ihe Taylor Textile Mfg. Co.. 
and went to Europe again for the new company, composed of 
Louis Hamburger, president; Geo. F. Kleinberger, vice-president; 
Ma.x Steiner, secretary and treasurer; Wm. Taylor, superin- 
tendent and manager; Sidney Traub, director. The offices are at 
oi-Q.'! Fifth .\venue. New York. Factory. Bartholdi Street, Wil- 
liamsbridge, N. Y. While the factory was being renovated and 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



321 



improvements being made for heating, lighting and labor saving 
were being made at an expense of several thousand dollars. From 
that time to this business has more than doubled. The com- 
pany soon succeeded in introducing its goods to the trade gen- 
erally in this country and Canada, and since has very materially 
increased its business. The mill is now employing forty hands 
and is turning out over three thousand yards of fancy silk veils 
a day, besides quantities of spotted netts, which for style and 
perfection of manufacture are. second, it is admitted, to none in 
market. Mr. Taylor, as we have said, has lived in this country 
thirteen years, five years of that time in Jersey City and eight at 
Williamsbridge. In politics he is a Democrat. His religious affili- 
ations are indicated in the fact that he is a trustee and Sunday 
school teacher of Olin M. E. Church and a director of the Wil- 
liamsbridge Branch of the Y. M. C. A. He is father, by his 
marriage at Nottingham above mentioned, of two children, 
Frances Eliza, deceased, and William Dudman, now engaged 
in the manufacture of lace with his father, acting in the capacity 
of assistant manager. 



Babcock, but liaviug superior talent in the construction depart- 
ment of his work, he was soon sought by other architects to give 
physical forms to their artistic ideas. His first great work was 
the Leiand Stanford Mausoleum, erected in 1886, costing $250,- 
000. marking an epoch in this line of architecture, for from that 
period commenced the highly expensive work which has since 
been done by Mr. Caterson all over the United States. In 
Woodlawn alone there is a regular village of mausoleums. In 
the strong features of Mr. Caterson's work, its superior con- 
struction, he uses only the heaviest and largest of stones, so 
5s to have as few joints as possible, as it is through the latter 
that time and the elements make the strongest inroads, as in the 
steps of the great Collis P. Huntington Mausoleum in Wood- 
lawn. There are only three divisions, each having its section 
of platform steps and stringers cut in one piece ; one of these 
pieces weighs seventy tons. With only three joints in this 
long approach to the tomb proper, there is not likely to be the 
same opportunity for frost or dampness — fruitful sources of ruin 




Mausoleum of Collis P. Huntington, erected by Robert Caterson 



ROBERT CATERSON, the mausoleum and monument man- 
ufacturer of Woodlawn, Bron.x. In Woodlawn Cemetery some 
of the highest ideals in the Greek art, and of that school in line, 
form and detail, are reproduced upon a scale so magnificent 
as to present the best possible opportunity for study. Here 
will be found mainly all forms of the classic art, expressin,;? 
every thought of feeling in the genius of Robert Caterson, 
Greater New York builder of monuments, mausoleums, and hill- 
side vaults. In 185s, Mr. Caterson came to New York, and lo- 
cating in Brooklyn, learned the stone-cutting trade near old 
Greenwood Cemetery. His first work as a journeyman was on 
ilic State Capitol at Columbia, S. C. In 1869 he came to Wood- 
lawn, which then had but few monuinents or mausoleums of any 
note, and commenced the business in which he has since been 
one of the most prominent and important factors throughout 
the United Stales. During his apprenticeship the French Lady's 
Monument in Greenwood Cemetery was considered the best in 
tins country, now it is regarded from any point of view quite an 
ordinary achievement. Using first his own designs early in the 
8o's, he secured the services of an eminent architect, Mr. J. T. 



and decay — to effect a lodgment that there would be if there 
were seams between each of the steps, and between these and 
the stringers. The monument of the late vice-president Hobart, 
made also by Mr. Caterson, in which one roof stone weighed 
forty-nine tons when cut (there being five in all) took a week 
to transport it to Paterson, N. J. With the Sanford, Hunting- 
ton and Hobart monuments and mausoleiuns among Mr. 
Caterson's notable works may be mentioned the Huntington Me- 
morial Cliapel, at Huntington, Conn., E. Frank Coe in Middle- 
field, Conn., W. B. Curtis, tlie founder of the New York Athletic 
Club, (this latter magnificent sarcophagus being subscribed for 
by the athletic associations of America) ; Wm. C. Hamilton in 
Philadelphia, Mr. Bradley, of Bradley & Hubbard at Meriden, 
Conn ; Mrs. Vernon K. Stevenson at Nashville, Tenn — the 
last being a copy of the sarcophagus of Napoleon in the In- 
valides at Paris — and its replica on smaller lines for Mr. Weller, 
(of Tafft, Weller & Co.) ; also the Ehret mausoleum and the 
Jeremiah Coster mausoleum. For years Mr. Caterson sought 
lor stone which, while jiosscssing the excellence of the Vermont 
and Massachusetts granite, would offer some variation from 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



323 



sameness of color. He finally determined that the stone of the 
now famous granite mountains in Burnett County, Texas, 
of which the State Capitol at Austin was built, answered the 
purpose, and he therefore purchased the whole property which 
embraces the mountain hills, over ten thousand acres in granite 
lands, and 2,400 acres in fee simple. The stone is a pink granite, 
:.s deep in color as the Scotch, and as heavy as any other stone, 
averaging some twelve feet to the ton. The mountain, 175 feet 
in height, is encircled at its top, about which lies the extensive 
plant. Mr. Caterson is furnishing the United States govern- 
ment a large number of car loads a day of the granite, and the 
city work on the jetties and on the new sea wall at Galveston 
for the original jetties, and the Aransas Pass jetties on the Gulf. 

C. RIEGER'S SONS. — The leading and most extensive 
manufacturers of office, bank and bar fixtures in Greater New 
York, whose offices and factory are located at Nos. 702 and 704 




East 148th Street and from 691 to 697 East 147th Street, near 
Third Avenue, Borough of the Bronx. The foundation of this 
mammoth establishment was founded in 1870 by Mr. C. Rieger, 
Sr., in a small shop at No. 659 East 144th Street for the pur- 
pose of manufacturing furniture on a small scale, employing only 
from six tn ten men. from which small beginning the present 
cstablisnment has evolved, placing it in that exalted position 
which no similar manufacturing concern throughout Greater 
-Ww York enjoys ai prest-nl. The large factories run 
through the block from 147th to 148th Streets, occupying floor 
space to the amount uf 40.000 square feet, employing 130 men 
and numerous side Ime shops, under the direction of various 
sub-contractors, who employ on their own account a large staff 
of men, practical mechanics. C. Ricger's & Sons were the first to 
inaugurate and establish this business in the Bronx and their 
success has been so marvellous that thev are recognized and 



known throughout the entire country as the most practical and 
progressive manufacturers of office, bank and bar fixtures. 
Their designs are all original and the cabinet features 
of their work for beauty in designs, for mechanical construction, 
substantiability and durability in service has made for C. Rieger's 
Sons an imperishable name for which the citzens of the borough 
of the Bronx are justly proud. The members of this firm are 
Christian Rieger, Jr., aged 42, Charles Rieger, aged 40, and 
Edward Rieger, aged 38. 

GEORGE McKENZIE, of the Van Nest Woodworking Co., 
was born in New York in 1S58, educated in the downtown public 
schools, and has been engaged in the sash, door and trim business 
or as an architectural draftsman in New Y'ork City and Bronx 
Borough all his life. He started in this part of the city fourteen 
years ago at 133d Street, near Third Avenue, where he opened 
at his present location one year and a half ago. He has been 
fortunate and shared in the prosperity of that growing part of 
the district. As an old resident Mr. McKenzie is well and 
widely known. He is a member of Marion Lodge, F. and A. M., 
and is a man of family, with a wife and one child 

ARCHIBALD J. McKENZIE, secretary of the Van Nest 
Woodworking Company, was born in New York City, July 14, 
1866. He received a thorough education in the public schools, 
graduating therefrom in 1883. At the conclusion of his school 
term he immediately engaged in business with his elder brother. 
George McKenzie, Esq., who was at that time located in 125th 
Street and East River. In 1892 their plant was entirely destroyed 
by fire, the firm suffering a severe financial loss. This did noi 
daunt their perseverance or energy. They immediately secured 
a larger business site at 133d Street and the Southern Bouelvard, 
in The Bronx, where they erected a larger plant than the one 
destroyed by fire, and where they remained for fourteen years. 
In May, 1904, the company found it necessary, on account of 
iheir increased business, to again make a change and secure 
larger quarters. They erected extensive buildings for the manu- 
facture of sash, doors, blinds, trim. etc.. in Van Bure.n Street. 
Van Nest. Recently the company disposed of the ground to the 
New York. New Haven & Hartford Railroad Company. The 
buildings which occupied the site were removed to the present 
location, Adams and Van Nest Streets. Again the enormous 
growth of the business caused the company to erect additional 
buildings to furnish room for new and improved machinery 
which was installed. There is probably a no more complete 
plant of its kind anywhere in the country for the production 
of building materials. The company are well known through- 
out Greater New York, and their products are sought by all re- 
sponsible builders who use first-class building material. The 
establishment easily stands first in the Bronx as to capacity, 
amount of business done and quality of manufactured products. 
'I"he personal standing of each member of the company is of the 
highest, both commercially and socially. The subject of this 
sketch married Miss Anna F. Forschner, October 11, 1903. Two 
children have blessed the union, Archibald K. and Janet. Mr 
McKenzie is a prominent member of the well-known Longwood 
Club of Bronx Borough. 

ALEXANDER CRUICKSHANK, manufacturer, and a 
member of the Van Nest Woodworking Company, was born 
June 9. t86o, at Aberdeenshire. Scotland, where he received 
a common school education. When he was seventeen years of 
age. he came to America and located in the Bronx, where he 
immcdiatelv engaged in the building business on his own ac- 



324 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



count. He continued in ■ this connection for sixteen years, 
when, in 1892, he became the partner of Mr. Muirison, a well 
known New York builder. Their partnership was continued 
until he became a member of the above corporation. Mr 
Cruickshank is not interested in politics and has never cared 
nor sought any political position, preferring to devote his time 
and attention to his extensive business affairs. He is a mem- 
ber of Marion Lodge, No. 278. F. and A. M. He is a typical 
self-made man, possessing all the sterling traits for which the 
Scotch race is noted. The extensive business of the Van 
Nest Woodworking Comparty, is largely due to the energy and 
push of Mr. Cruickshank. 

M. E. WESTERGREN (INCORPORATED.)— The build- 
ing trades are at all times interested in knowing the advances 
that are being made in various directions, and the buyers in 
every line have more than a mere curiosity in t'.ie expansion and 
development of the firms in that particular branch. When a 
man knows that his work is being done under the best condi- 
tions — by the employment of the latest approved appliances, by 
skilful hands in light and airy factories— he has a valuable 
guarantee that it will be well done. For these reasons a de- 



,^.SHUTtf' 






M. E. WESTERGREN ( INCORPCRATEd) 

scription of the factory and plant of M. E. Westergren, Inc., at 
Nos. 433, 435 and 437 East 144th Street, will be acceptable read- 
ing to the building trades. Before describing the building and 
plant, it may be as well to say a word or two about the location. It 
is unquestioned that the upper part of New York, the Twenty- 
third and Twenty-fourth Wards, will in the near future play an 
important part in the Greater New York. Judging by the move- 
ment already begun, this i'^ destined to lie the manufacturing^ 
centre of the great city. It was in recognition of this fact 
that Mr. Westergren bought the site of his new works seventeen 
years ago, and after changing the grade and doing other things 
to make it suitable, erected liis building, thereby creating an im- 
portant addition to this region. It is hardly necessary to say 
to the building trades of New York that the business of M. F. 
Westergren, Inc., consists in manufacturing cornices, skylights, 
roofing and sheet metal work of every- description, and they 
have put on the market a most perfect system of fireproof doors, 
kalameined windows and hollow metal windows on which the 
concern holds several patents. Large as their trade has been in 
the past they are now equipped so they can extend it almost 
without limit. The building, the design of which can be seen 



from the illustration accompanying this article, covers the whole 
of a plot 65x100; it is five stories, and was planned and built 
by Mr. Westergren himself. Of the five floors, two are below 
the street level of 144th Street, but as they are open on the sides 
and rear they have ample light, and are as convenient for manu- 
facturing purposes as the three above. The only difficulty was 
the access, which was readily overcome by putting in an elevatoi 
of great capacity, 9 by 20 feet, large enough to hoist any truck 
with load to any floor in the building, thus avoiding the handling 
of materials. But convinced of the rapid growth of the business 
in this line, Mr. Westergren had the building built strong enough 
to carry two more stories, having the sixth story girders already 
m position. Having had experience with the ordinary factory 
building it was decided to build so strong that no danger of 
overloading could arise, and so material of unusual strength and 
size was used. Each of the five floors is open to its full extent, 
except m one or two minor instances, which will be described 
later on. The lowest floor contains two 4S-horse power boilers 
with engine, etc., also 35-horse power motor; glass cutting facili- 
ties and a blacksmith's shop; the floor above that a machine 
shop, storage and stabling in one corner for eight horses. One 
part of the ground floor is divided off by hardwood and glass 
I'artitions, and handsomely furnished, to do service as an office 
and private room of the proprietor. The rest of the floor con- 
tains part of the fine machinery for cutting out and bending 
sheet iron and metal work. On the next floor the draughting 
room is located, where four draughtsmen are engaged preparing 
details for the various kinds of work; this draughting room also 
contains a fixed easel of large proportions with a sliding board 
and rule upon it, both very ingeniously contrived and designed 
10 facilitate the expeditious preparation of plans. The balance 
(if this floor and the uppermost floor contain a number of fine 
machines, including draw benches for kalameined work, circular 
saw, mitre cutters, and innumerable small machines in common 
use. When the building was provided, the question arose as to 
what course should be taken to properly equip it with machinery 
nf a modern kind, in which consideration the prime object was 
how to avoid as much as possible the large number of joints that 
are necessary by the ordinary method of making sheet metal, 
ibis being tlie greatest drawback in regard to strength and beau- 
ty. Realizing this, it was decided to have a machine built to 
cut, bend and stamp sheet metal to a length of 13 feet, thus re- 
ducing the number of joints to one-half. The most important 
of these machines is a press of enormous size, 18 feet long and 
12 feet hig'h. The weight of this machine is some 50,000 pounds, 
and the pressing power 600,000 pounds, it being the largest ma- 
chine of its kind ever built. It will be seen from this description 
that this is a perfect plant for turning off cornice and skylight 
work in every detail, including not only the parts in zinc and 
copper, but those in wood and iron and glass also. The stock of 
these materials always on harid is very large. While this shows 
that they can execute work of any kind, their specialty will in 
the future, as well as in the past, be the erection of skylights, for 
which, perhaps, they have 100 different kinds of mitre cutters. 
by which they are able, besides turning out more perfect work, 
to also reduce the price 25 per cent. A prominent example of 
their work in this line is the skj'light for the Siegel-Cooper Co.'s 
building on Sixth Avenue, covering some 14,000 square feet, 
with a dome forty feet square and thirty feet high. This, the 
largest structure of its kind in the city, was erected entirely by 
themselves, they having, as before stated, the facilities to con- 
struct their own wrought-iron structure, as one entire floor is set 
apart for that purpose. Next to their skylight business, they are 
now giving a great deal of time to their new fireproof door and 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



325 



window business, especially their patented hollow metal windows, 
for the construction of which they have lately put in a number 
of new machines. The growth of this branch of the business 
has been so rapid that it will be necessary shortly to enlarge 
their already extensive facilities. Several of the largest struc- 
tures in the course of erection in the city are eciuipped with 
these windows, and shipments have been made as far as the 
City of iVIexico. These being their specialties, it must not be 
inferred that they are in any way neglecting the other parts of 
their business, as the many large contracts lately executed by 
them will prove. For instance, the large gilded corona on the 
American Surety Building is their work; the St. Nicholas Skat- 
ing Rink; the Ayer Building; the large apartment house on St. 
Nicholas Avenue and Seventy-fifth Street ; the Clarkson Mem- 
orial School of Technology in Potsdam, New York, as well as 
many important contracts now under way. It is very remarkable 
when we consider the amount of work that was formerly done 
in this line by any one firm, that this concern should be able 
to handle such an enormous amount of work, but by surrounding 
himself with a staff of able assistants, as clerks in the office, 
draughtsmen and foremen of unusual ability, and improving on 
the old way of working by hand, so that almost everything is 
done by steam and electricity, Mr. Westergren is able to under- 
take an amount and kind of work that would otherwise be im- 
possible. He further hopes that by honest dealings, prompt- 
ness and strict attention, to accomplish things in his line of 
business heretofore considered beyond reach. 

BERNHARDT PETZOLDT, manufacturer of embroideries 
at 6l0 East T54th Street, in the Bronx, has been established here 
for fifteen years, and has built up, during that time, an extensive 
business. He is of German birth — born in Saxony in 1852 — but 




BERNHARDT PETZOLDT 

has been identified with this district for nearly a generation. 
Mr. Petzoldt has a factory equipped with imported machinery, 
both hand and shuttle inachines, chiefly of German construction. 
He has engaged skilled operators, and employs many girls as 
helpers. He makes his own designs, which the machine works 
cut automatically, and supplies the wholesale trade all over the 
country. He has perfected special machines of his own to meet 
the wants of the trade, and works in tweiitv-five different colors. 



He pays special alfcnlion to the matter of shipping, packing and 
incidentals. He is a thorough-going business man, in short, and 
a leader in this industry. Mr. Petzoldt married in 1886 Miss 
Katy Schotz. They have three daughters, Pauline, Lilly and 
Tilly. 

GEORGE HEY, of the American Silk Label Works, 169th 
Street and Park Avenue, :.3 a highly respected resident of the 
Bronx, esteemed very generally, both as a business man and 
citizen. He is a manufacturer, employing nearly 200 hands in 
an industry which he himself created. He has been a school 
trustee, he was one of the organizers of the North Side Board 
of Trade and has been specially active in the work of upbuilding 
this section. Mr. Hey is a Bavarian by birth and is now in his 
75th year ; but he has lived in this country, east and west, nearly 
sixty years. He came here in 1847 and crossed the plains on 
foot to California in 1850. He enlisted in the California Volun- 
teers in 1861 and was sent out from there to fight the Indians. 
He has been an enterprising business man of New York since 
1866. Certainly, barring the accident of birth, he is entitled to 
call himself American. Mr. Hey received his education in the 
schools of the old country. He was 16 when he came to Ameri- 
ca. He spent ten years before the war piospecting and mining 
in golden California, but the fortune he sought there was In 
be found later here. Returning from his frontier experiences, 
in which he served under Gen. Wright and Col. Fuhrman in 
war times, he first joined his father in the Goodyear rubber 
comb business. In 1875 he started the silk label works at 38Q 
Broome Street, near Mott, with five looms. In 1884 he bought 
the ground and built his present factory, equipping it with twenty- 
one looms. It has more than 100 now, with trade all over the 
United States, in Mexico and Cuba. As to the quality of its 
product, medals have been won by it at the Centennial, the 
Chicago and the St. Louis Expositions, at the last named a gold 
one. Mr. Hey was school trustee in the Tenth Ward from i88l 
to 1884. Pie belongs to Goethe Lodge, No. 629, F. and A. M., 
and to Colders Post, G. A. R., also to St. Stephen's Lutheran 
Church in the Bronx. His father, John G. Hey, a well known 
German-American, died at a ripe old age here in 1880; his 
mother died in 1869. Of his three sisters only one, Mariana, 
survives. The others, like his parents, are buried in Woodlawn. 

VINCENZO PALUMBO.— Bom in Venosa, Italy, on Au- 
gust 9, 1852, of wealthy parents, he at an early age showed mark- 
ed intelligence. His father was a lawyer and held responsible 
positions in the province of Potenza. At the age of four years 
the subject of our sketch demonstrated that his talent was of no 
mean order, for at the Good Friday celebration in the Cathedral 
Santa Aiidrea he delivered a lengthy oration, and again at the 
Feast of St. Rocco, September 19, 1856, at the instance of His 
Excellency the Archbishop of Venosa. In his fifth year he could 
read and write Italian fluently, and completed his elementary 
education under the instruction of Father Saveria Noon. In his 
tenth year he left school rather precipitately owing to unwar- 
ranted chastisement by his teacher, in return for which he in 
October, 1862, shot at him without inflicting any serioMS injury. 
He was apprehended by the police, and taken to his father, 
(iesualdo Palumlm. who insisted upon his retuniing to his teacher, 
who made life a burden to him. Again running away from 
school, he was placed under the instruction of a shoemaker, 
but the trade being distasteful to him, he again ran away. The 
indulgent father then put him to work minding his sheep, but 
pastoral duties w'ere not to his liking and again he took French 
leave. His mother's love finally overcame the father's will and 



326 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



Viucenzo being plead with selected a seminary where the more 
advanced studies were included in the curriculum, and having 
passed the preliminary examination in August, 1863, he was ad- 
vanced to a higher grade in November, 1864. The bent of his 
mind seemed to be the acquirement of knowledge, and no matter 
how difficult the problems that arose before him, he attained the 
end sought, and in November, 1865, he graduated with high 
honors in Italian, French, Latin, Greek, and mathematics. In 
January, 1866, he began to realize his expectations, for he re- 
ceived an important appointment in the seminary where he had 
been a pupil. The salary attached to the position he refused, 
preferring that his three brothers, Theo, Nicola and Michael 
should have free tuition therefor. In 1868 he left the college autl 
entered the pharmacy of Marangelli, the most prominenit chemist 
in the city, in order to perfect himself in chemistry. Here he 
remained until 1870, using every minute to acquire an intimate 
knowledge of chemistry, when he launched forth as a tutor, 




VINCENZO PALUMBO 

having sixty boys in his school. In May of that year he ap- 
peared before the educational authorities at Potenza, and hay- 
ing undergone a thorough examination as to his qualifications 
and proficiency received his authorization to practice the pro- 
fession in any part of Italy. It must be stated here, that the 
police authorities doubting his having a license to teach, owing 
to his youth, visited the school where he soon convinced them 
that he was duly authorized to practice under his license. His 
first love affair was with his cousin, but the earnest opposition 
of the parents of both, after a courtship of five years, resulted 
in his leaving (he city and beginning a pilgrimage which was 
quite extended, and ended at Rome. In 1875 he received the 
nomination of professor in the Viggiano College. In 1876 he 
was nominated professor at Laurenziana. with a larger salary. 
Here he materially improved the school facilities, and also 



opened a drug store. In 1878 he taught school for six months 
m Barcelona, Spain, but the place did not suit his tastes, anj 
he then went to Marseilles, France ; from there he next went to 
I'aris, then to Liverpool and London, and finally took passage 
to New York on the Inman line. He arrived in New 'Vork 011 
December .3, 1879, and began teaching at 42 Crosby Street, In 
1880 he founded "Progresso Italo-Americano" and the Italian 
Political Independent Club. On September i, 1882, he opcncu an 
Italian exchange at .'54 Crosby Street, but was forced to close it 
a short time later through the dishonesty of a clerk. After iiui 
unfortunate venture he was compelled to take up teaching again 
at 179 Marion Street, where American doctors, lawyers and other 
professional men sought his services in order to become pro- 
ficient in the Italian language. At this critical period Peter 
Cooper, the well known philanthropist, Cardinal McCloskey, and 
General Di Cesnola, manager of the Metropolitan Museum of 
Art, rendered valuable financial assistance, and in 1882 he estab- 
lished "La Luce," which proved a powerful weapon against the 
dishonest, and rendered aid in saving Chiaro Cignerale from the 
gallows in 1894. In 1895 he exerted himself to save Maria 
Barbella from her doom, and collected a vast amount of 
evidence for a new trial which resulted in saving her. In Febru- 
ary, 1894, he waged a vigorous warfare on the padrones who 
were fattening on the toil of his ignorant countrymen, and en- 
gineered changes in the emigrant laws which put a quietus to this 
baleful practice. Then commenced, in 1896, his fight against the 
Italian money brokers who had been extorting sums in cxcesi 
of the legal rate for acknowledging their signatures. Plis un- 
relentless warfare against the oppressors of his nationality re- 
sulted in his home at Mott Avenue and 149th Street being 
dynamited, and he then moved to New Dorp, Statcn Island, 
where he speculated in real estate with success. Thereupon he 
called all his creditors together and paid in full all claims which 
he had incurred during his adversity. In 1902 he was selected 
by Messrs. Flagler and Goff to go to Florida in the interests of 
the East Coast Railway, and made a thorough exploration of the 
territory, establishing Italian colonies at San Augustine, West 
Palm Beach, Eden, etc. I:i August, 1902, he was selected bv 
Messrs. Watson & Malone, proprietors of a gold mine in West 
Virginia, to develop the same. The labor troubles at Fairmont, 
Clarksburg, Gipsy, Morgantown, Thomas, and other places were 
settled through his judicious exertions; the men were reconciled 
and a better condition of affairs between laborers and capitalists 
inaugurated. The climate, however, not agreeing with him, he 
returned to New York, a victim of dyspepsia. Making use of 
his knowledge of chemistry, he studied the various herbs grow- 
ing about his place on Staten Island, which resulted in the manu- 
facture of "Sirena Cordial." to destroy this disease. liy its use 
on himself he demonstrated its curative properties, and then sub- 
mitted it for testing by leading laboratories not only in Americi 
but Europe as well. The highly flattering testimonials he re- 
ceived for its efficacy in dyspepsia, stomach troubles, and rheu- 
matism, induced him to manufacture it on an extended scale and 
consequently he formed the Strega Manufacturing Company, 
which now is engaged in supplying the leading pharmacists with 
this preparation which is devoid of all deleterious substances, and 
has proven a boon to those who have been afflicted with this 
bane to health. The success he has attained in this direction 
iias lieen phenomenal, and hundreds in al! walks and stations of 
life heap benisons upon its inventor. 

JOHN L.\NZER. — The subject of this sketch has long been 
a resident of Bronx Borough and has seen its development from 
a rural community into a thriving city. Born in Germany on Au- 
gust 3, 1850, at an early age he came to this country, and has 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



327 



\v.:uh- his hnnic here since 1858. He received his etkicalion in 
ihe Gernian-Anicrican School, and after he graduated he ap- 
plied himself to the sash and hlind manufacturing business. In 
the year 1875 he started quite extensively in that line on Third 
Avenue near 149th Street, and later removed to more commo- 
dious quarters at Third Avenue and 151st Street. He also had 
(juite a large estaljlishment in Westchester for twelve years. He 



Pennsyh ania. lie has three children, Catharine, (now Mrs. 
Young), William J., Jr., and John A. Brandt. In 1895 Mr. 
lirandt built on his own account five houses at Fifty-third Street, 
Tenth Avenue, three houses at 148th Street, between Tenth 
.Vvenue and Western Boulevard, and I32d Street, between 
b'ourth and Madison Avenues, and still continues on in the 
roofing and cornice business at 630 East 144th Street. 




resides at 627 East 155th Street. In politics he is a Democrat, 
but never has held office. He is a member of the Schnorer 
Club, Union Maennerchor, Tallapoosa CIul), and Harlem In- 
dependent Schutzen Corps. On October 29, 1872, he married 
.Miss Wilhelmina Fuhr, of Manhattan, the result of this union 
being ten children, five of whom are dead and five living. 

WILLIAM H. BRANDT, the veteran roofer and cornice 
manufacturer of the Bron.x, was born in New York City, 
September 25, 1847. He graduated from the public schools, 
and at the opening of the civil war, enlisted as a drummer boy 
in the Fifth Regiment, N. G., of New York. During the 
threatened occupation of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, by General 
Lee, he served there with his regiment, of which he remained 
a member for fourteen, years. Retiring from the army, he 
joined his father, who was also in the roof and cornice busi- 
ness, and learned the trade. On April 24th, 1869, he married 
Miss Louise Earth, of New York City, and started business on 
his own account at Crosby and Bleecker Street, and in 1883, he 
moved the business to the Bronx, where he has met with ex- 
traordinary success. In 1884 he built a home and place of 
business on the corner of Third Avenue and 140th Street, but 
sold this property in 1888, and purchased No. 555 East 140th 
Street. Mr. Brandt's services as a roofer and cornice manu- 
facturer, has been engaged by the United States Government 
Light House Department on numerous occasions. He superin- 
tended the roofing of the New York Po.st Office for his father, 
and a large number of government light houses. The public 
school house at Van Nest, the public school house at 176 Tremont 
Avenue, and over 500 of the most prominent residences in the 
Bronx, have been exclusively roofed and corniced by Mr. 
Brandt. He is strictly a business man, no affiliations with party 
afifairs, clubs or organizations, though liberal in his views as to 
matters of State and nation ; is a member of the Employers' 
Association. He lost his beloved wife August 22, 1899, and 
in April, 1904, married Miss Mary C. Warring, of Philippsburgh, 



WHERE THE WORLD'S BEST INKS ARE MADE.— 
One of the most interesting industries carried on in the Bronx, 
though probably unknown to the majority of its inhabitants, is 
represented by the plant of the Sigmund UUman Company at 
140th Street and Park Avenue, where the highest grades of 
printing and lithographic inks known in the world are manu- 
factured in astonishing quantities. This enterprise was founded 
by Mr. Sigmund Ullman, still the active head of the company, 
in 1870, when he began the importation of printing and litho- 
graphic inks from Germany, although he had for a number of 
years previously been an importer of bronze powders and metal 
leaf, being, in fact, the first one to engage in that business in this 
country. His great success in the introduction of German inks 
led to the formation of a partnership between Mr. Ullman and 
the German firm with whom he had been connected, and the 
German printing ink industry was thus transplanted to this 
country by the erection of an extensive plant in Newark, N. J. 
This partnership was dissolved in 1897, and Mr. Ullman erected 
the new plant at 146th Street and Park Avenue, which is con- 
sidered the model printing ink factory of the world. Though 
built on only ten city lots, every inch of space is so well utilized 
that the plant has double or triple the capacity of others covering 
a much larger area. It is astonishing to visitors to see the neat- 
ness and cleanliness for which this plant is noted, especially when 
it is taken into consideration that this line of industry is con- 
sidered one of the very dirtiest. One of the most remarkable 
facts in connection with this firm is that while Mr. Sigmund 
Ullman was the first to introduce German printing inks into the 
United States, he was also the first to introduce American 
printing inks into Germany. In fact, this firm has so revolu- 
tionized the printing ink business through the introduction of 
their doubletone inks and ullnianines that in every part of the 
civilized world wherever printing is done, UUman's printing inks 
are known and recognized as a standard of excellence. The 
plant employs for power, steam, electricity and compressed air. 
It consists in not only of an ink grinding plant, but complete 
appliances for the manufacture of varnishes, dryers, dry colors, 
etc., which are the raw materials for the manufacture of print- 
ing ink, usually bought by printing ink manufacturers. The 
machinery has all been specially devised and manufactured for 
this plant, and is cooled by water procured from specially driven 
artesian wells, which have a capacity of 75,000 gallons per day. 
The Sigmund Ullman Company has branches downtown, Chi- 
cago, Philadelphia, Buffalo and Boston, with agencies in all 
the principal cities of the United States, as well as in all parts 
of the world, namely: London, Paris, Berlin, Stuttgart, Ham- 
burg, Brussels, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Christiana, 
Milan, Lisbon, Barcelona, Madrid, Constantinople, Bombay, Cal 
cutta, Singapore, Manila, Shanghai, Tokio, Sydney, Melbourne, 
Santiago, Mexico City, Havana, etc. It is understood that this 
firm now contemplates building branch factories in London, 
Paris and Berlin in order to properly handle the ever-increas- 
ing European business. It is generally conceded that more 
printers through the world use Ullman's inks than any other 
brand. 




o 





u 

E 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



329 



THE MUTUAL MILK AND CREAM CO., producers and 
wholesale dealers in tlie finest quality of daily products, have 
an extensive branch office in the Bronx with main offices at Nos. 
322, 324 and 326 East 103d Street. They supply the residents 
of the Bronx with the pure lacteal fluid to a greater and larger 
extent than any similar firm in the Greater City. The health 
of every community is of the greatest importance and one of 
the first essentials to that end is the purity of the milk and cream 
which is consumed. The product of the Mutual Milk and Creain 
Company is gathered from the choicest sections of this part of 
the country and a rigid inspection is made of all dairies where 
the milk is taken, sampled and tested before it is shipped to 
New York City. Tlie company was incorporated in 1898 and 
handled about 1,300 cans of milk. To-day the output is nearly 
3,000 cans. The Bronx branch is situated at Nos. 602-60S East 



I42d Street, where the company has erected a splendid modern 
building, and equipped it with every device for the sanitary hand- 
ling of its milk and cream. 8he milk and cream arrives 
every morning from the Berkshires on the Highland Division of 
the New Haven & Hartford Railroad ?uid also on the Harlem 
and Putnam Division of the New York Central. The company 
employs about 125 men in the city and fully as many more in 
the country, where the milk and cream is taken. The officers 
of the company are as follows: Charles Hank, president; John 
Krooss. vice-president ; Charles Va^ihof, Jr., secretary and treas- 
urer; J. N. Hannahs, superintendent. The directors: Charles 
Hank, Charles Vanhof, Jr., J. H. Paul, Val. Geis, R. E. Westcott, 
J. Krooss, J. N. Mannahs, S. Hopper, H. Arnstein, M. Hallman, 
M. H. Ullman, The company has recently added another fea- 
ture to its large business, viz., a sanitary, pastureizing and bottling 
plant at No. 321 East I02d Street. 




Carnegie Library, Alexander Avenue and 140th Sticet 





ALPHONSE W. WEINER 



JACOB STAHL, JR 





HENRY ROSENBERG 



RICHARD PURLONO 



CHAPTER XLIV 



PROMINENT MEN OF AFFAIRS 



Who Have Made Their Mark in the Annals of this Progressive Borough 



JOHN CHARLES WALWOKTII.— Ihis gentleman is dis- 
tinguished among residents of tlic Bionx as the head of the 
Walworth School, 634-638 East i^gth Stieet, one of the noted 
educational insti'iitions of that division of the city. He is presi 
dtnt and owner of that cstabli:-hn"ent, which is one of the oldest 
schools of the kind in the United States. This business school 
has equipped for the Ixitlle of life many of our best and mo.^t 
successful metropolitan business men. The Walworth School is 
the largest of its kind in this luiniugh. if not in New York, hav- 
ing between four and five hundred students yearly. They receive 
instruction in stenography, typewriting, bookkeeping, penman- 
ship and other studies, fitting them for the best situations in 
business offices. Mr. Walworth was born in New York City, 




JOHN CHARLES WALWORTH 

.■\ugust 18. 1870. He rccLived his education in the public 
schools and in the Willson and Walworth College. On leaving 
school he adopted teaching as a vocation, and he has been, as 
we have intimated, highly successful in it. He is the secretary 
and treasurer of the Commercial School Principals' Association 
of New \ ork, of which association he was the founder. He is 
also chairman of the Committee on Education of the North Side 
Board of Trade, and one of the governors of the First Ward 
Republican Club of New Rochelle, in which city,- with his family, 
be resides. He was married, in 1895, to Miss Jessie Viola Mo- 
sher. They have had three children, Lemoine C. (deceased), 
Chester A. and Mead. 



GEORGE W. BIRD, the energetic and successful proprie- 
tor of the Bron.x Borough Business Institute, located in the 
hafifen Building, over the Dollar Savings Bank, at Third and 
Vvillis Avenues and 148th Street, is a man who has gone through 
the very sort of experience his pupils are likely to encounter, 
and thus is especially fitted to pilot them into business ways. 
He was born September 17, 1870, in the old Ninth Ward of 
New York. He is of good old native stock; his great-grand- 
father fought ill the Revolution. Mr. Bird passed through the 
public schools of the city and attended the College of the City 
of New York, but was obliged to leave it before completing his 
course on account of illness. During five years thereafter he 
held various positions — salesman in a dairy, real estate agent, in- 
surance agent and so on ; but having little taste for these occu- 
pations he decided to take a course in a business college. He 
graduated from the New York Business Institute in 1893, and 
accepted a posiiion wi.h the Liberty Rubber Shoe Co. of New 
York. Having at the time a strong desire to teach stenography 
he volunteered his services at night in the school from which 
■.e had graduated, free of charge. 1 his he did lor one year 
and then was employed on salary, in this same school, for both 
the day and evening sessions. Here he continued five years. 
In 1900 there was not a business school of any kind above the 
Harlem River below Yonkers and Mt. Vernon. Mr. Bird saw 
the need of one and accordingly established himself in the Smith 
Building, next door to where he now is. He started in a most 
humble way with a single student (and that a free scholarship), 
one typewriler, one table, fix chairs and a small desk. Capital 
for it being lucking he did but little advertising, substituting for 
it a personal canvass. Success gradually attended his efforts. 
The first year he graduated 27 ; the second 56 ; the third 100, and 
the fourth 140. The first year he taught typewriting and short- 
hand only, but the second he was obliged to introduce book- 
keeping to satisfy the demand. His school has been built up 
more by the recommendation of graduates than through adver- 
tising. It employs only practical teachers. It is endorsed by 
leading business men and educators of the Bronx, who gladly 
employ its graduates. Mr. Bird has never guaranteed positions 
and makes few promises, endeavoring simply to teach thor- 
oughly ; but he has been unable sometimes to supply the demand 
on him for help. When, in September, 1902, he moved into 
his present place, a whole floor was fitted up especially for the 
business. The subjects taught are shorthand, typewriting, office 
practice, spelling, bookkeeping, penmanship, business corre- 
spondence, arithmetic, rapid calculation and commercial law and 
mechanical drawing. Mr. Bird is chairman of the Committee 
on Trade Needs of the North Side Board of Trade, also of the 
Prospect Avenue M. E. Church. He married in 1897, Miss 
Fannie L. Lyon. The first year of his venture in the school, 
his wife worked with him hand in hand. 





GEORGE GARDNER ROCKWOOD 



GEORGE W. BIRD 





EDWARD ROWAN 



RUDOLPH E. STOECKEL 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



333 



JOSEPH P. LIEBERTZ, formerly Deputy Commissioner 
of the Department of Street Cleaning, Borough of the Bronx, 
was born in New York City June 24, 1857. He attended the 
public schools of the city until the age of 14, when he entered 
into the employ of the famous jewelry house of Tiffany & Co., 
where his services were so valuable to the firm. He was in the 
cashier's aepartment, which position he retained for twenty-si '< 
years. A testimonial to his ability, fidelity and unimpeachable 
integrity was given to him by the firm after he tendered his 




JOSEPH P. LIEBERTZ 

resignation to accept the position of Deputy Commissiouer of 
Street Cleaning in 1898, where he served with strict fidehty until 
April, 190J, when he accepted his present position with the 
Knickerbocker Trust Co., at 149th Street and Third Avenue. 
On March 28, 1875, Mr. Liebertz married Miss Annie Francis 
Hart, of New York City, the result of tliis union being seven 
children, three of whom are decea.scd, and four living, viz:. 
Marguerite A., Loretta H.. William J., and James F. Liebertz. 
The rise and progress of Mr. Liebertz's business career has been 
marked with wonderful success, owing to the close application 
that he has always applied to all of the many positions of trust 
that he has from time to time occupied. Starting in with Tif- 
fany & Co., as an uncouth lad, he directed his attention to the 
absolute obedience of orders from his employers, and as he grew 
up, familiarized himself with all the many intricate details of this 
great establishment, and to such a successful issue that his 
abilities and masterly qualifications were so appreciated by the 
firm, they were nnly tcm gratified to reward him with the highest 
jiosition of tru^t in the greatest jewelry firm i>n tbi-^ contincm. 
These spurs were wnn by hard and diligent pursuit and by faith- 
ful performance of all duties required of him. In connection 
with his important duties with the Knickerbocker Trust Co., Mr. 
Liebertz is Treasurer of the Bronx Ice Consumers' Co., Treas- 
urer of the Sound View Land and Improvcnient Co., Treas- 



urer of the Neptune Bathing Co., and for the past 14 years 
financial secretary of the well known Schnorer Club of the 
Bronx. He is a member of St. Augustine's Roman Catholic 
Church, the Democratic Club of New York City, and the Talla- 
poosa Club. 

HERMAN BOTH, manufacturer of awnings and shades, 
at 947 and 948 East 161 st Street, leader in that line in the bor- 
ough, is a native of Germany. He was born September 26, 
1845. For fourteen of his earlier years — during the war and a 
year or two after it — he led a seafaring life on a sailing vessel, 
but abandoned that in 1872 and then took up the sliade and 
awning line. He worked at that until 1889 and then started 
in business on his own account, locating himself at 947 East 
161 st Street and prospering so that in a very short time he was 
compelled to enlarge his business, which he did by taking for that 
purpose 948 East l6ist Street. Mr. Both is a Democrat, a mem- 
ber of the Jefferson Club, the Woodstock Pleasure Club, the 
Schleswig Holstfin Club and St. Paul's Lutheran Church. 
He married April 12, 1872, Miss Elizabeth Muhs and has nine 
children living. Four sons are engaged with him in the business. 
I'his is the twenty-ninth year of his residence in the borough. 

AUGUSTUS GARIESS, JR., paying teller of the Harlem 
Savings Bank, and general appraiser of Bronx real estate, was 
born at Harlem, New York City, on February 25, 1867, residing 
at Bedford Park, Bronx, and was educated at the public schools 
in the Bronx. ,For thirty-seven years he has been a resident 
I if the Bronx, and is widely known and highly respected for his 
integrity and usefulness as one of the foremost citizens in the 
borough. Ills business qualifications arc of the highest order and 




AUGUSTUS GARIESS, JR. 

:.re so recognized by the ofiicers of the well known financial insti- 
tion for whicli he is the paying teller. In April. 1888, Mr. Gariess 
married Miss Barbara Smith, an estimable and highly cultured 
young lady, and this union has resulted in two children, namely : 
Augu.stus and Frederick Gariess. Mr. Gariess is a Democrat in 
politics, but has never aspired to public office. He is a member 
of the Lutheran Church, Harlem Lodge, F. and A. M., Sylvan 
Chapter, Constantine Commandery, the Mystic Shrine, North 
Side Board of Trade, and the Schnorer Club. 




ANTON RAOETTE 




ALBERT L. V/YMAN 





T. GERALD STEARNS 



T. GERALD STEARNS IN SEVENTH REGIMENT UNIFORM 



II 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



335 



MICHAEL WOHN was born in New York City August 6. 
1851, where he was educated in the public schools. For the past 
twenty-three years he has been a resident of Bronx Borough, 
where he is engaged in the insurance business. Mr. Wohn is a 
member of Guiding Star Lodge. F. and A. M., L O. O. F.. A. O. 
V. W. , the Schnorer, .Arion and Liederlafcl Clubs. He was 
married August 26, 1871, and has four children, viz. : Margarelta, 
George, John and Frederick, all of whom are living. 

JOSEPH CHARLES LEE, a Boniface of the Bronx and 
a native, was born in Hoflfman Street, Fordham. April 19, 1864. 
He attended the Primary Public School No. 48 at Hoffman 
Street, Fordham and graduated at Grammar School No. 64 on 
Webster Avenue, Fordham. He afterwards took a classical 
course at the College of the City of New York. His profession 
Ims always been lliat of "Mine Host" and be has catered to the 
public taste for a great many years, particularly in Fordham, 
where his hostelry is recognized as one of the most popular .)f 
the old but growing centres of the northern part of the Bronx. 
He is democratic in his political faith and is a member of a large 
number of organizations, religious, social and political. He is 
prominently identified with all the orders of the Church of Our 
Lady of Mercy, Fordham, organizer and captain of the Belmont 
Baseball Club, the Belmont Social, the Ancient Order of Hiber- 
nians, the Independent Order of Red Men, the Clan na Gael So- 
ciety, Tallapoosa Club, Jefferson Club, Seneca Club, A. Murphy 
Association, P. H. Lennon Association, Liquor Dealers' Union 
and Navajo Club. On October 12, i88g, he married Mary Jose- 
phine Cabin, of Ireland, and has an interesting family of five 
children, namely, Joseph, Patrick Lee, Ernest Vincent, Donald 
Kiissa and John Francis. Percy, another son, died a few years 
ago. 

FREDERICK WILLIAM McCULLOUGH, the general 
newspaper distributor in the Borough of the Bronx of all the 
evening editions of the majority of the afternoon papers of 
Greater New York, was born in New York City February 2\. 
1873. After leaving school he worked in a butcher and grocery 
store for a short period at a very nominal salary. In 1889 he 
opened a news-stand in the Bronx for the sale of daily papers. 
Naturally a hustler, it was not long before he had established a 
large patronage of local purchasers, and an exclusive profitable 
delivery route of both morning and evening editions. The fol- 
lowing year, iSijo, he was enterprising enough to make a con- 
tract with several of the evening paper managers of Greater 
New York, to take absolute control of the distribution of their 
editions throughout the Borough of the Bronx. This turned out 
not to be very easy sailing to young McCullough, for the great 
.'\nierican News Company, that controls all of the various pub- 
iications of the country, took umbrage at the bold move of Mr. 
McCullough, as an invader upon their personal rights, and euni- 
nienced proceedings against him, to destroy his rights and privi- 
leges. They endeavored to control the Bronx distribution of 
evening editions; the fight was a long and bitter contest, and 
was met with a firm and resolute determination by young McCul- 
lough, who finally defeated the wealthy corporation, and is now 
in full control and absolute master of the distribution of all the 
evening editions of the New York papers. Beginning fifteen years 
ago as a news dealer, supplying papers in a small area of terri- 
tory, between 1.53d and I4,vl Street-, from Third Avenue to 
the Sound, it now extends throughnnl the entire Bronx. Pluck, 
energy, integrilv and a determination to succeed, has been the cul- 
mination of Mr, McCullough's success. Unmarried, he has re- 



sided with his mother, Mrs. Mary McCullough, at No. 366 
Willis /vvenue, for the past fourteen years, a daughter of Wni. 
Coalter, a well-known merchant of Enniskillen, County Fer- 
managh, Ireland. His father, Wm. G. McCullough, was a well- 
known real estate broker of this city, died several years ago, was 
a son of John McCullough, of Bainbridge, Ireland. Two sisters. 
Rebecca and Helen, and one brother, John Scott McCullough, 
constitute the family of this enterprising and progressive young 
man. He is a Methodist, and a member of the North Side Re- 
publican Club. 

RICHARD FURLONG, of the well known firm of Furlon-^ 
& Furlong, manufacturers of cornices and skylights in the Bor- 
ough of the Bronx, was born at Long Island City April 4, i86,ij 
At the age of nine years he came to the Bronx, and was edu- 
cated at the public schools, and for the past thirty years has 
I'een a resident here. Mr. Furlong started in liusintss a \ery 
young man, and by his practical methods and indefatigable in- 
dustry has increased his manufacturing interests to such an ex 
tent that he stands at the head of the roofing, cornice and sky- 
light business in the Borough of the Bronx. His facilities for 
executing large and small contracts arc so complete that he has 
the entire confidence of the largest builders, construction com- 
panies and managers of estates throughout Greater New York ; 
his promptness to carry out all contracts made by him, accordinj; 
to specifications and plans, and to furnish the best material em- 
ployed in roofing, cornice work or skylights, and to execute the 
same in a workmanlike and mechanical manner, has made for 
Mr. Furlong a distinguished reputation, and is the prime cause of 
his rapid success in the business. He was married nn June u. 
1S92, to Miss Alice C. Turnbull, of Westchester, whose family 
were among the old .'^ettlers of the latter place, and has one 
child, named Richard Roy. Mr. Furlong has no political affilia- 
tions, as he is too much engaged attending to the numerous de- 
tails of his extensive business affairs. FIc is a member of the 
Builduig Trades Employers' organization, the Schnorer Club, 
the Merry Imvc. Masonic Order, Lily Lodge, No. 34J, Iv & .A. M.. 
Ivy Chapter, R. A. M. ; Constantine Commandery, K. T. ; Mecca 
Temple of the A. A. O. M. N. S. 

HENRY ROSENBERG, sole owner and proprietor of the 
Metropolis Theatre, i\2d Street and Third Avenue. Borough 
of the Bronx, was born in Westphalia, Germany, September 24, 
1853, and came to the United States in 1866. He attended the 
public schools of Baltimore and is a graduate of Peabody Col- 
lege of Baltimore. In 1879 he became a clerk for his father, 
who condatted n large saddlery and harness liusiness, finalbi 
was taken into partnership and after his father's death he re- 
tired from the business in 1889 and came to New York City, 
where he entered into the theatrical business as treasurer of the 
Harlem Opera House, and after six months' service became the 
general manager of Oscar Flammerstein's entire theatrical enter- 
prises — the Harlem Opera House, Columbus Theatre, now known 
as Proctor's, the Olympia, now the New York, and the Criterion 
Theatre. In the fall of 1899 Mr. Rosenberg concluded to enter 
into business on his own account and turned his attention to 
the Metropolis Theatre in the Bronx, wdiich was built in 1896, 
and for one year following all of its production were absolute 
failures as an attraction to the public and it became a literal drug 
on the market. Mr. Rosenberg, fully aware of these conditions, 
leased the theatre and opened with "Old Kentucky," in which 
be scored the firs; hit made during the theatre's e.xi.stence. The 
people of the Bronx and all the suburban villages north of the 






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HERMAN BOTH 



WILLIAM ANTON WALDEYER 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



337 



Bronx, realized that a new and inspiring representative of the 
drama had come amongst them, who was equipped with the 
genius of a thorough and practical manager who would elevate 
the profession he advanced and would resurrect the Metropolis 
Theatre from its lethargy into one of the leading playhouses 
of the Greater City. In igoo Mr. Rosenberg purchased the 
property and has from time to time made a number of vahiable 
and necessary improvements. The theatre proper is situated on 
I42d Street and Third and Alexander Avenues, with an en- 
trance on both of the latter avenues, and twenty-four exits 
leading to the street ; besides there are large, commodious and 
elegantly fitted ball and lodge rooms and underneath the ^ruc- 
ture is a cloak room, rathskeller and restaurant, a perfect boudoir, 
a virtual bower of roses, fitted up in a style that for its cuisine and 
attractiveness is second to no other of the famous rathskellars of 
Greater New York. From his first opening in "Old Kentucky" 
his success has been unprecedented. The people of the great 
borough discovered that Mr. Rosenberg knew how to please and 
entertain them and this generous public has responded liberally 
to his untiring efforts to give them continuously the best talent 



secretary of the Bruckner Association; a member of the Eugene 
McGuire Association, of the Osceola Club, the Elsmere Club, the 
Eagles, the Elks and the "Gentlemen's Sons." He married, in 
1895, Miss Minnie Buxton. They have three children, Edward, 
Harry and Helen. 

PHILIPP HOFFMANN.— In this gentleman we have a 
type of that solid, sturdy and substantial German element of the 
population of the Bronx, whose industry and energy has con- 
duced so much to the upbuilding and progress of the borough, 
and from which class so many of the foremost citizens of the 
district have come. Mr. Hoffmann is not an official or politi- 
cian ; it is as a business man he is best known. He has been a 
resident seven years, successfully engaged during that time in 
the delicatessen line. His place of business is at 746 Tremont 
Avenue. He was born in Germany January 8, i860, and re- 
ceived his schooling there. He came to this country in the year 
1886. He married. May 14, 1886, Miss Mary Schuster. They 
have two children, a boy and a girl, Emilie and Philipp. He is 
in short, a representative citizen and business man. 




Metropolis Theatre, I42d Street and Third Avenue 



and the leading order of plays produced on the stage during 
the regular seasons. His rise and successful progress is the 
result of his great executive ability, his high order of talent, and 
the practical and systematic methods he employs in the conduct 
of his theatrical enterprises. Among the profession he enjoys 
the same popularity that he does with the people of the Bronx, 
and he is so highly regarded by the former that it is the general 
feeling amongst them that he is one of the brightest, successful 
.•!iid most particular stars in the firmament of the managerial theat- 
rical profession of the Greater City. Mr. Rosenberg was married in 
1881 to Miss Anna Hammerstein and has three sons, Leo, Walter 
and Jerome Rosenberg. In politics he is a Democrat and is 
an active member of St. Cecil Lodge, No. 305, F. and A. M. 

EDW.'KRD T. HAUCK, a Bronxite of sixteen years stand- 
ing, hails originally from the peaceful city of Brotherly Love; 
in other words, Billy Penn's town, Philadelphia, and there also 
he attended school. He is proprietor of the cafe at 3042 Third 
Avenue and is6th Street. He is a Democrat and a live one; is 



JOHN P. GARNISS. — This gentleman has been a resident 
of New York, "off and on," as the saying is, since 1852, a mat- 
ter of fifty-three years. He has lived continuously in the me- 
tropolis or its environs forty-three years of that time, and in 
the Bronx, without change, since 1874. To say that he is well 
known in the borough seems, under the circumstances, a matter 
of supererogation ; equally so to add that he is a man higldy 
esteemed and respected. Mr. Garniss was born May 28, 1842, 
in Troy, N. Y. He first came to New York City as a boy of ten 
in 1852. He removed as a youth then to Hagerstown, Md., 
then, as now, a place of distinction as an educational center, and 
attended the Hagerstown Academy until 1859, graduating that 
year. He returned to this city about three years later, and took 
up his residence in Mt. Vernon soon after. From 1862 until 
1874 he followed the sea. In 1874, as we have said, he moved 
into the Bronx, and established himself in his present occupation, 
that of undertaker and funeral director. Mr. Garniss is a Re- 
publican in politics, but has never held office. He is a member 
of the First Presbyterian Church of Tremont, also deacon of 
the same; a Free Mason of Guiding Star Lodge No. .56.3; an 





EDWARD T. HAUCK 



PHILIPP HOFFMANN 





JOHN P. GARNISS 



WILLIAM MCELLICOTT 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



339 



Odd Fellow of Morrisania Lodge No. 171; member also of the about ten years and then for four years was Superintendent for 



A. O. U. W., Tremont Lodge No. 238, and of the Royal Ar 
canum at Fordham, Council No. 1412. He married, September 
21, 1&72, Miss Mary Elizabeth Haight. They have had three chil- 
dren, two,, Louise and May. now dead, and one, Florence A, 
now Mrs. H. M. Jack'^fu, living. 




JOHN ADAM MOEBUS, undertaker and liveryman, of 
698 Courtlandt Avenue, was born in New York City July .y, 
1879. He has lived here all his life, is a public school graduate, 
and supplemented that with a course in Walworth's Business In- 
stitute. He is a Democrat, but not a politician, confining his ac- 
tivities instead strictly to business. He is a meni'ber of Napthali 
Lodge, F. and A. M., and of the Harmonic Singing Society, and 
a member of the Association of Exempt Firemen's Sons of the 
23d and 24th Wards. Mr. Moebus married. May 10, 1900, 
Fredericka Herdt. They have had two children, but both arc 
dead. His business is an old one; he is his father's successor 
in it. 

WILLL\M McELLTGOTT, Manager Bronx and West- 
chester Agencies, Equitable Life Assurance Society, with offices 
in Smith Building. 148th Street and Third Avenue, is a man of 
extensive experience in his line; a live man and a hustler. His 
business associates know him as a conscientious life insurance 
underwriter, and a strict manager of agents. He has been living 
and doing business in the Bronx for ten years or more, and is 
a member of many clubs and society organizations. To know 
him is to respect and like him.. 

CHARLES KUNTZE, who was elected .Mderman on the 
M. O. L. ticket at the election of 1905, by a plurality of 900 over 
Alderman Dougherty, and 3,300 over John H. Watt, was one of 
the organizers of the M. O. L. in the 34th District, North Side, 
and one of the most active and influential workers in that move- 
ment. He lives at 732 East 146th Street, and is engaged in the 
painting and decorating business at 1733 Park Avenue. In busi- 
ness, as in politics, he is a hustling, energetic and self-made man. 
Mr. Kuntze was born in Germany October 24, 1870, but came to 
this country at an early age — at 16 in point of fact. His first 
employment was in the line he follows at present, with Z. Parish, 
Wheeler & Co., Union Sqaure. He remained with that house 



the J. C. Lyons Buildmg Co., and then embarked in business 
on his own account. He has been a resident of the Bronx since 
1895. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, the Schweitzer 
Mannerchor and the Rheinischer Saenger Bund and was one of 
the organizers of the M. O. L. in this the 34th District. He 
married in 1895, Miss Lena Handler. They have two children 
living, Elsa and Charles, both of whom are attending public 
school No. 27. 

JAMES CARRIGAN is general superintendent of the 
l^nion Railroad Company. He has been forty years identified 
with that concern, beginning in youth as driver on the old Har- 
lem Bridge, Morrisania and Fordham Railway line, and rising by 
liard work and honest service through the various grades be- 
tween. He was born in Fordham June 24, 1845. He received 
his education in the public schools of that burg, then a separate 
settlement. He has had a residence in the borough during an 
unbroken period. Politically a Democrat, he has never held 
('ffice, but has taken active part as a railroad man in the ad- 
\,-^ncement of the borough. As a resident himself of Southern 
Boulevard (No. 2335), he has been largely instrumental in the 
• ievelopment of the transit system in that part of the borough. 
He married, February 12, 1867, Miss Jane Walker. They have 
had seven children, of whom four, Thomas W., William, Harry 
rind Seraphnn, are living; the others, Eftie, Alexander and James, 
deceased. Mr. Carrigan belongs to but one organization, the 
fraternal order of the A. O. U. W. 

HARRY HEILMANN, wholesale butcher, was the first to 
open an independent establishment — that is, to enter into compe- 
tition with the combine — in the Bronx. This he did at 2863 
Third Avenue in 1893. He was successful in this venture and 
now has trade all over the borough. Mr. Heilmann is a native. 
He was born here in New York in 1871. His father was in this 
same line before him — for some forty years or more — and built, 
long ago. the first uptown slaughterhouse. His father-in-law 
built the first brick house in the Bronx. Mr. Heilmann is an 
independent in politics, a member of the I. O. O. F. and the 
Mohican Club, and, as we have hinted, a man of family. He 
married, March 23, 1897, Miss Amelia Fritz. They have had 
two children, one of whom, George, is living; the other, Edna, 
deceased. 

JACOB SEABOLD, who was clerk in the Surrogate's 
oilice, and in the Building Department, Deputy Commissioner 
of Street Cleaning, under Commissioner Coleman, and Deputy 
Commissioner of Street Improvements, under Commissioner 
Hafifen, is a native of Yorkville, but was a resident of the 
Bronx for years. He was born in 1843 and attended the public 
schools in his youth, and the Hudson River Institute. He 
was a member of the Amsterdam Club, the Central Demo- 
cratic Club, the Harlem Democratic and Osceola Clubs and 
ihc Wawayanda Fishing Club and Knig-hts of St. Patrick. He 
married September I. 1870, Miss Catherine Schaaf and has two 
children living, Rosa B.. and Henry W. 

FREDERICK LOHBAUER, the famous caterer and origi- 
nal proprietor of Lohbauer's Park, .Westchester, who died Febru- 
ary 3, 1904. was born August 9, 1853, at Mindershiem, near 
Ludwigshafen, Germany, and was educated there. He learned 
the brewer's trade and after he emigrated to New York City he 
secured the position of brewmaster with John F. Betz, whom he 
served so faithfully and with such success that he was tendered 
a large increase of salary by the well known brewer Peter 





CHARLES KUNTZE 



JAMES CARRICAN 





JACOB SEABOLD 



HARRY HEILMANN 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



Ul 



Buckel, to take full charge of his establishment as brewmaster, 
which he accepted and for a long term served in this capacity, 
increasing largely the quality and tlie strength of the beer, which 
gave the name of Buckel's beer such an impetus that Mr. Buck- 
el's trade was largely and most profitably developed. In 1890 
he came to Westchester and opened a hotel at Throgg's Neck, 
and in 1896 opened the well known resort called to-day Loh- 
bauer's Park, in its desires for open air amusements, picnics, 
shore dinners and all manner of summer outings, in which he 




FREDERICK LOHEAUER 

recognized that the people of the great city were so familiar 
with and so generally interested in. It was at this time that he 
exhibited his superior ability, keen judgment and practical ideas 
in the selection of a grand location that would be free from all 
obstructions as to the interruption of his guests and in the mean- 
time provide them with all the comforts and conveniences of 
the salt water air and boundless room for their sports and 
games, with all other privileges so much desired for the pleas- 
ures of a grand outing. He therefore leased what has now 
become famous throughout Greater New York and widely known 
as Lohbauer's Park, Westchester. After leasing the park the 
Country Club commenced proceedings against the estate to 
which the park belonged to oust Mr. Lohbauer; this litigation 
continued until three months after the death of the latter, and 
was decided in favor of the estate, which left Mr. Lohbauer's 
widow in full control of the park, which she continues to con- 
duct on the same lines as her husband previously did. He was 
a gentleman of very striking personality, endowed with wonder- 
ful executive ability and generosity; he was a keen student of 
human nature and was known to all the thousands of people 
with whom it was his business to come in contact as a reliable, 
upright and matter-of-fact business man. In his personal friend- 
ships his assistance and generosity was never refused as hun- 
dreds of his prominent friends now living bear testimony. He 
was a member of the Lutheran Church, of the City Lodge, No. 
408, F. and A. M., Heimath Lodge, I. O. O. F., the Eichenkranz, 
Mainzer Carneval, Westchester Maennerchor, Tallapoosa Club, 
a member of the General Committee of Tammany Hall and the 
Chippewa Club, besides a member of the North Side Board of 
Trade. Mr. Lohbauer married Miss Madeline Herman, of 
Ludwigshafen, Germany, an estimable lady, and had six chil- 



dren, viz. : John, Elizabeth, Clara, Christopher, Barbara and 
Leonora, four of whom are deceased and two living. His mem- 
ory will always live in the hearts of thousands of the people of 
the Bronx and Greater New York as one who lived as an honest 
and upright citizen and to whom they owe a great deal for his 
public spirited enterprise. 

MORRIS YUKELSON, of 4.16 Willis avenue, who fur- 
nished many of the views in this work, was born in Lutzk, 
Russia, July 29, 1878, and during his early youth attended the 
public schools of his native town. At fourteen years of age he 
moved to Zietmer, Russia, and completed his education there 
in the high school and went as high as the sixth class. Two 
classes more would have fitted him for any university in that 
country, but his patriotism was too strong for him to continue 
his studies, so he enlisted in the army, was made corporal and 
served for two years and eight months. During that time he 
won distinction as a sharpshooter and was awarded a medal 
for his excellent marksmanship. On September i, 1899, he 
was honorably discharged from service and immediately ac- 
cepted an office in the Police Department in Lutzk as clerk. 
This position he held until April, 1900, when he decided to 
come to America. On the 1st day of April he arrived here, and 
was given employment by a photographer in Canal Street, 
Manhattan. This business he understood thoroughly, for he 
made a study of it while in Europe, and it was not long before 
he became very successful, and a half a year later he bought 
his present studio. Mr. Yukelson has only been in the Bronx 
for three years, but his success is due to the fact that his 




MORRIS YUKELSON 

methods are clean and his work first-class. His patronage ex- 
tends over quite a territory. Aside from his inside work, he 
is kept busy by newspapers, magazines, lawyers, real estate 
men, builders, etc., and all ' recognize his ability as a pho- 
tographer of outside views. On June 9, 1904, he married Miss 
Rosa Ocheroff, of Saratoff, Russia, who was then living in 
New York City. One son has been born to them, Leo, who 
is an infant six months old. 





WILLIAM HENRY ROWAN 



ROBERT VOLBRACHT 





FREDERICK KNECHT 



JOHN J. FOX 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



343 



FREDERICK. OSTERMAX, pniniiiunily uk-iilihed with 
many of the progressive features of Harlem and the liroiix, was 
born December 21, 1S72, in Germany, and graduated from the 
pubUc schools of his birthplace. At the age of ten years, he de- 
veloped musical talent, and in order to earn sufficient means that 
he might apply himself to the taking of violin lessons, in which 
his mind and tastes were practically devoted, he assumed the role 
of a drunnmer boy, and playing with a band in this capacity for 
a long term, earned the requisite amount, then applied his studies 
to the violin and finally became an accomplished artist as a vio- 
linist. In August, 1886, he came to the United States, and 
worked as a grocer's clerk for three years, and the following five 
years tended bar at ii6th Street and Second Avenue. Having 
a taste for commercial work, the well known wholesale stationery 
firm of Charles Magnus & Sons, of 5 and 7 Chambers Street, 
recognized his abilities, and employed him for a long term as 
their travelling salesman. At the age of 20, Mr. Osterman 
opened a cafe and restaurant, under the firm name of Osterman 
& Pfeifer at 534 Pearl Street. New York City, and in conjunc- 




FREDERICK OSTERMAN 

lion with his partner continued the business for one year un- 
successfully. Failing in this his first enterprise he was obliged 
to seek employment with the Brooklyn City Railroad Company, 
and served one year as a conductor on that road. He returned 
to New York City and again became a bartender, serving seven 
more years in this capacity, when he made hosts of friends and 
became widely known. Having recuperated his fortunes, he 
paid off all of his creditors of the restaurant failure 100 cents 
on the dollar, which included his partner's debts. On March I, 
1901, Mr. Osterman leased the premises on the southeast corner 
of 141st Street and Eighth Avenue, on his own account, and 
has since conducted his hotel with signal success. His place of 
business is one of the most popularly patronized hotels at the 
north end, and is frequented by a large number of prominent 
citizens of the Bronx, who are on intimate terms of friendship 
with him. fte is also the sole owner and proprietor of the 
northeast corner of Seventh Avenue and I4.?d Street, one of the 
handsomest and most gorgeously fitted up cafes to be found along 



the line of six and seven-story apartment houses. In l8i;_> Mr. 
Ubtermans popularity had become so general that the Fred. 
Usierman .Association was liirmed, nominating Mr. Osterman 
as its standard bearer. Ihrce hundred members attest the 
popularity ot this well known organization, which has held an- 
nual outmgs every year since it was organized, and which is 
attended by hundreds of the best citizens of the north end of 
Harlem, and numbers from the Bronx. The organization is so- 
cial in its caste and character, but in political affairs they vote 
for the best interest of the city, State and nation, and therefore 
wields a painful influence in numicipal. Stale and national elec- 
tions. On March 5, 1892, Mr. Osterman married Miss Agnes 
Kraus, daughter of Henry and Llizabcth Kraus, of New York 
City, and an estimable lady of culture and refinement, the result 
of this happy union being one daughter, Lillian, now living, 
aged 10 years. The son of August and Meta Osterman, he has 
a very strong personality. Young, vigorous and essentially a 
practical business man, generous in his nature and impulses, he 
has the proud distinction of having overcome the varied vicissi- 
tudes of business misfortunes and is recognized at the North 
End, and among his hosts of friends in the Bronx, as one of the 
leading examples of what a man can do. and become — a positive 
success — who employs his energies, his intellect and his vigorous 
personality in the development of his business enterprises. Mr. 
Osterman is an honorary member of nearly every social organi- 
zation of the North End. He is a member of Herman Lodge, 
No. 268. F. and A. M., Columbus Lodge, I. O. O. F., McKinley 
Lodge of Foresters, the Bronx Aerie of Eagles, President of the 
Henry Racquet Club of the Twenty-third Assembly District, mem- 
'ner of the General Committee of Tammany Hall, Wm. M. Marcy 
Association. Twenty-third Assembly District, the Fritz Renter 
Company No. 15, the New York Schutzenbund. West Harlem 
Quartette Club, active member of the Liquor Dealers' Associa- 
tion of the State of New York, Shewang Tribe, I. O. Red Men, 
formed the first Municipal Ownership Club of New York City, 
and was second vice-president of the United Democratic Club, 
and member of the John Mooney Association. One of the first 
citizens of his locality, popular with the people, and with a large, 
extensive and influential acquaintance throughout Harlem and 
the Borough of the Bronx, Mr. Osterman gives every promise to 
play an important part in the future of our municipal affairs. 

WILLIAM HENRY ROWAN.— Some sixty-four years ago, 
in a two-story frame building. No. 48 West Twenty-fourth 
Street, Wm. H. Rowan was born and here spent his early days 
In his tenth year his father purchased properly on Findlay 
Street, Melrose, and built the house No. 683 East i6oth Street. 
At the Morrisania village school he was an excellent student. 
and left it in the year 1856 to enter the office of the West- 
chester County "Journal," owned and edited by James Stillman. 
His next move was to the office of Fulger & Turner, 118 John 
Street, printers and engravers. Always taking an active in- 
terest in politics, he started to tour the South early in 1861. 
When in Tennessee, Fort Sumpter was fired on, and the South 
was ablaze for war. A Confederate recruiting officer tried to 
enlist him in the Confederate service. He declined, but they 
had obtained his name and personal description, and entered 
them on a list that he never saw. He left the South and re- 
turned to Cincinnati where he, with others, went to Camp 
Clay and volunteered. Rowan was rejected, failing to pass the 
physical requirement. He then obtained employment in the of- 
fice of the "Cincinnati Commercial." After a time he moved to 
the capital of Indiana, and here went into the photographic 
business. After the battle of Fort Donelson and Island No. 



344 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



10, he obtained permission and went into Camp Morton (the 
old fair grounds), containing over thirty acres of ground, whert 
4,500 Confederate prisoners were encamped. Here he mingled 
with them and had a novel experience in this camp and made 
many friends among the prisoners, many of whom took the oath of 
allegiance and became loyal citizens. Many of the pictures seen 
in the public prints of those days were made by the young pho- 
tographer ; some of these have been offered in evidence to prove 
or disprove the statement that the prisoners were well treated. 
During the Morgan Raid, when Gen. John- Morgan with his 2,- 
000 mounted men raided the North, Rowan joined .Mason's com- 
pany of minute men, a company ol artillery, which was disbanded 
as soon as Morgan was captured. Rowan was boarding on New 
York Street and had entered his name in Mason's company 
on the original roll in front of the Bates House, i hat 
same night after the public meeting was over. Rowan 
and some friends went over to the Palmer House. While 
there he observed a tall, dark whiskered man, who kept 
watching him. He paid little attention at first, but when about 
to leave for home, he crossed Washington Street, and the of- 
ficer followed him. Instead of going north he turned to the 
east, about 200 feet, stepping into a doorway to await the officer, 
who approached and saluted. As soon as the salute was re- 
turned, the officer, who was in the uniform of a major in the 
U. S. Army gave a whistle as a signal and a crowd rushed from 
the Palmer House, shouting: "Hang him, hang the rebel spy, 
string him up to the first lamp post!" Before the major could 
touch his pocket Rowan had his six-shooter pointed at the major 
demanding an explanation. Perilous as the situation was, the 
crowd was held at bay, until a Iriend in the crowd appeared who 
knew the young photographer. The next day a description ot 
the major was furnished the district attorney, who had the major 
arrested and placed on trial as a Confederate spy. He was sent 
to Alton, 111., a military prison. His story proved to be a fabu- 
cation. He excited the crowd in the Palmer House by telling 
tliem that Rowan was a member of an infantry company in Te:i- 
nessee in 1861, and this is accounted for by the fact that he was 
the Confederate recruiting officer who tried to induce Rowan to 
enter the Confederate service at that time. He had remembered 
the young man from New York, who had not been able to recog 
nizc the Confederate. After the Morgan raid he followed the flag 
as a photographer, taking topographical maps, pictures and en- 
largements for army u.-se. He traveled extensively through the 
southwest and his pictures of camp and army life were from nega- 
tives taken on the spot. In the closing days of the war he was hi 
the Southwest, where he recalls Sherman's raid into Mississippi, 
and Banks' unfortunate Red River expedition. His actual service 
was less than go days and yet he was for over three years in the 
war zone. Rowan returned to New York in 1865, broken in 
health from the effects of dysentery and typhoid fever, in- 
curred in "Following the Flag," but glad to get back to dear old 
New York, where he has since resided. He now owns and oc- 
cupies the house No. 687 East l6oth Street, inheriting the prop- 
erty from his father. Once a printer always a printer, and after 
an experience in early life as photographer, school teacher, com- 
positor and reporter, he goes back to his first trade, printer and 
press contributor. While in Indianapolis he became personally 
acquainted with Benjamin Harrison and members of his fam- 
ily. When introduced to Col. Harrison at the Camp of Instruc- 
tion at Indianapolis, Rowan said : "Colonel, it gives me much 
pleasure to meet you. My father was a Whig, and he voted for 
your grandfather for president. I hope to have the pleasure of 
voting for you for the same office." The graceful compliment 
was acknowledged, and William Henry Rowan voted and 



worked hard for the election of Benjamin Harrison for president. 
jMr. Rowan is well known as a contributor to the public press; 
also as a writer of poetry and his .sketches "Taken from Life" 
have been widely read. He is the author of "Folk Lore and 
Literature," and prides on calling himself a printer, but we take 
pride in calling him the "Printer Poet of the Bronx. " 

ROBERT VOLBRACHT is the well known manufacturer 
of hand-made shoes at 238 Canal Street, Manhattan. Mr. Vol- 
bracht was born at Elberfeld, Prussia, Aug. i, 1848. There also 
he received his schooling and acquired an education. He has 
been resident in the Bronx since 1866, and having been more or 
less active in the Democratic ranks, has a wide circle of acquaint- 
ances. He has been a member of the Schnorer Club for more 
than twenty years, and is affiliated with other organizations of a 
social and fraternal nature. He married and has raised a family 
in the Borough also. April 27, 1869, he was united to Miss 
Aliiia Pfeiffer. Five children are the fruits of that union^ 
Guslav. Harry, Robert, Jr., Charles, and Maud, the last-named 
married to Max Sieghart in 1904. 

HENRY -\HR, well known not only to the building fra- 
ternity of the Bronx, but to all the builders of Greater New 
York for many years past, was born September ig, 1847, at 
Baden, Germany, and was educated in the public school of the 
latter place. On June 10, 1866, after the closing of the civil 
war, Mr. Ahr arrived in the City of New York and entered 
into the iron railing business on Avenue C, between Fifth and 
Si.xth Streets. For five years he struggled faithfully to secure 
a foothold in this important branch of business, at that time the 




HENRY AHR 

East Side of the city. While successful, he felt that his interests 
required greater development and in 1871 he transferred his 
whole interests from Avenue C to the Bronx and located his 
shop at iS4th Street and Third Avenue. After being located 
at the aforesaid premises Mr. Ahr discovered that he was con- 
fronted with a very serious problem. It was not a theory, but it 
was an actual condition that he was obliged to meet. In 1871 
the Bronx was but little more or less than an open country, 
which gave but little encouragement to merchants or manu- 
facturers to locate there, and having located himself he con- 




WILLIAM JACKSON PRIME 



HISTORY Of BRONX BOROUGH 



345 



eluded to rcniain :ind tight ihu battle of his life, which his 
success for the past thirty-three years has demonstrated what 
can be accomplished by a man of iron nerve. When he opened 
Uie small place at iS4th Street and Third Avenue there were 
only a few orders that came to him on various occasions and 
owmg to his absolute poverty he was obliged to deliver the orders 
on an improvised hand cart, often going beyond Tremont Ave- 
nue, and even to Fordham. In the "lexicon of his youth" he 
never knew the word "Fail." He grew up with the Bronx and 
to such an extent that he enjoys the confidence of his fellow citi- 
zens and commands the largest trade in the iron railing business 
of this great borough. He married Barbara Bomshire in 1870, 
and this pleasant union resulted in seven children, three of whom 
are deceased, viz. : John, Caroline and Charles. Those living 
are Kate, Henry, Adolph and Barbara. His estimable wife died 
October 7, 1899, in the 55th year of her age. On May I, 1902, he 
married Emma Uhl, of New York City. A Democrat in politics, 
but not a partisan, he is a member of a number of social clubs 
such as the K. O. S. Bowling Club, the Melrose Turn Verein, the 
.Aurora Liederkranz, and the famous Schnorer of the Bronx. 
Mr. Ahr's manufacturing establishment, the largest in the Bronx, 
extends from 696 to 700 East 148th Street. 

PROFESSOR THOMAS J. LONG, the most noted danc- 
ing master of the Bronx, and one of the most capable in the 
me'tropolis, is proprietor of the dancing academy at the Croton.i 
Casino, at 975 East i6gth Street. He was born in Brooklyn, 
N. Y., and graduated from St. Joseph's Parish School there. 
He has been established in this part of the city about five 
years, and has made his establishment, as regards popularity 
and fashion, the Sherry's of the borough. He was at the Metro- 




PROFESSOR : ;. LONG 

polls Theatre formerly, and there in his school instructed up- 
wards of S>ooo pupils in the terpsichorean art. He teaches all 
the latest styles of "tripping the light fantastic," including stage, 
ballet and ball room dancing of all kinds. He has been in the 
business all his life and can be relied on as thoroughly com- 
petent. Mr. Long was married September 27, 1898, to Miss 
Hattie Burritt, of Redfield, New York. They have one child, 
Janet by name, living. 



JOHN C. CALVERl', superintendent of Building Construc- 
tion for the Isaac A. Hopper Company, of New York City, is not 
only one of the best known men in that line in the Bronx, but 
socially and politically as well. He is one of the most active 
workers in the Democratic cause in the borough, though he has 
never held office, and as such has a host of friends and a follow- 
ing whose name literally is legion. Mr. Calvert was born in 




JOHN C. CALVERT 

Piinghamton, New York, about forty years ago. He is, in short, 
in the golden prime of middle life. As a youth he went to 
school here in old Grammar No. 56. He has lived in the Bronx 
about thirteen years. He is the standard-bearer of the John C. 
Calvert Association of about two hundred members ; a member 
of the Jefferson Tammany organization and of the John C. Cal- 
vert Association, which i.s named for him. He also belongs to 
Bricklayers' Union No. i7 J to the Royal Arcanum, and the 
Episcopal Church. Mr. Calvert married, in 1887, Miss Amelia J. 
York. They have hr^d eight children, of whom six are living, 
I wo boys and four girls. The names of the children are: Thomas 
Calvert and Hazel Calvert, deceased; Jas. A., Wm. W., Pansy .\., 
Caroline, Jennie D.. Helen, lixing. 

RUDOLPH E. STOECKEL, dealing in drugs, chemicals 
and dye stuffs at 2449 Third Avenue, in the Bronx, is a native 
of New York — the old city — but has lived in the Bronx from 
boyhood. He is the son of Andrew Stoeckel, who came to 
this country from Germany in 1835. His father was the in- 
ventor of the veneer shaving machine and of other wood-working 
devices ; he established the Central Saw Mill, which is still exist- 
ant, on Elizabeth Street, about the year 1845, and retired from 
Inisiness and settled in the Bronx on Macomb, now Mott, Avenue, 
in 1867. He died in 1892 at the age of eighty-two, leaving a wife, 
mother of our subject, who survived likewise to tlie advanced age 
of eighty. Mr. Stoeckel himself, as we have said, has been iden- 
tified with the Bronx for a lifetime. He attended as a boy the 
old Mott Haven public school, and took a course also at Lynker's 
Commercial College. He was married, too, in this district — in 
1885 — to Miss Jennie Cooper Rowland, of West Farms. They 
have five children, of whom three are living. He has been a mem- 
ber of the New York Athletic Club twenty-five years. He 



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ARTHUR ARCTANDER 



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JOSEPH CHARLES LEE 



FREDERICK WILLIAM MCCULLOUOH 



ARTHUR ARCTANDER. locateil at 52:j Bergen Avenue, 
is one of the oldest and most prominent architects in ilie 
Bronx, where he has resided for more than thirty-seven years, 
and has during that time planned more than 200 building::: 
and superintended their construction. Among some of these 
may be mentioned the residence of Henry D. Purroy, the 
residence of Mathias Haften: St. Jerome's Ursuline Academy: 
also the new Ursuline Academy now being erected at l;!7th 
Street; the Post Office Building, at 138th street, near Willis 
Avenue; the Brownson Catholic Club, at East 14Gth Sr-eet; 
clubhouse of the Youthful Bowling Club, at East i:JCth 
Street; the business building for J. Clarence Davies at Vv'cst- 
cheiSter and Third Avenues; the reconstruction of the Piser 
Building, the bttsiness building at Third Avenue and Grove 
Street; at Third Avenue, near \C,2(i -Street; at 2860 and 2.?G2 
Third Avenue; the undertaking establishment of .Jolin H. 
Doherty. at the southea^st corner of Willis Avenue and 1 17th 
Street: flats for .John H. Knoeppel. at 139th Street: for Mich. 
J. Kelly, at 13.5th Street and Lincoln Avenue: Ohase & 



O'Rourke, College Avenue and 112d Street; Geo. J. Lyons, 
147th Street, near Willis Avenue; private residences for 
Annie Arctander, at 139th Street; St. Stanislaus Roman 
Catholic Chuirc'h, at East Seventh Street; St. Angela's Ro- 
man Catholic Church, Morris Avenue and 163d Street; and 
residences, flats, reconstruction of buildings for stores and 
business, bowling alleys and dancing pavilions. He is now 
engaged in the erection of more than ten other buildings pro- 
jected for the coming year. He is now considCTed one of the 
old settlers of Morrisanla and has talieu prominent pari in 
the Twenty^third Ward Property Owners' Association for the 
improvemeint of our district, in the formiation of the comiuis- 
sion of the Twenty-third and Twenty-fourth Wards, in the 
Jefferson Club, the Brownson Catholic Club, the Arion LieOer- 
tafel, the Concord Bowling Club, the Danisto Veteran S0'Ci<?ty, 
the Scandinavian Society of 1S44, the Dana Singing Society, 
the Tammany Hall General Committee, and is well known 
to all old settlers in this now prominent Borough of the 
Bronx. 



L 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



347 



belongs to the Milfonl (Conn.) Yacht Chib, the North Side 
Board of Trade, and to St. Mary's P. E. Chnrch of Mott 
Haven. 

FREDERICK KNECHT, tlie popnhir wholesale wine mer- 
chant of the Bronx, was horn at Wurteniberg, Germany, No- 
vember 24, 1865, and was educated at the public schools of his 
native place. His father having a large fruit-tree nursery, he 
assisted him in its conduct until 1881, when he came to the 
United States, settled in New York City, where he was con- 
nected with the wine business. In 1893 Mr. Knecht engaged m 
that business on his own account. In 1898 he became an iin 
porter of the very best brands of Rhine wines, and sells wholesale 
throughout Greater New York, all suburban towns, and outside 
of the State. His business is very extensive, and his brands of 
wines are in great demand, as their reputation for purity has for 
a long time past been firmly established. Mr. Knecht adds 
monthly to his already large importations, opening a store on 
F'ourth Street, between Second and 'J bird Avenues where he re- 
mained until the fall of 1894, when he removed to the Bronx, lo- 
cating at Third Avenue and 149th Street. In February, 1904, he 
removed to his present place. No. 540 Bergen Avenue, ni order to 
meet the increasing demands of his extensive trade. He was mar- 
ried Feb. 2, 1892, to Miss Augustus Dunker, a lady of refinement 
and culture, and has four children, Johanna, Marie, Fred and 
Alice. Mr. Knecht is a member of Wieland Lodge, 714, F. and 
A. M., of which he is past master; Melrose Turn Verein ; 
Schnorer Club; Arion Liedertafel and many others. 

JOHN J. FOX, a self-made man of Bronx Borough, was 
born in New York City May 24, 1867. liis education was ob- 
tained in the public schools. After concluding his school life, 
he engaged as an apprentice in the blacksmith trade, a vocation 
he followed for a period of six years ; during that period he 
took up the study of veterinary work, a profession in which he 
attained considerable success. In 1895 Mr. Fox embarked in tlie 
livery stable business, and in 1897 added an undertaking depart- 
ment thereto. His first stable was located at No. 1888 Washington 
Avenue. After occupying those quarters for a time his rapidly 
increasing business compelled him to seek a more extensive 
plant, which was obtained -jt No. 1908 and 191Q Bathgate Ave- 
nue. He occupies the entire building, four stories in height, 
with a frontage of 45 feet and a depth of 80 feet. It is one of 
the most important businesses of its kind in the Bronx. Politi- 
cally, Mr. Fox is a Democrat, although he has never aspired to 
hold office. Socially, he is prominent, being a member of a 
number of social and benevolent organizations, among which 
are the Royal Arcanum, Loyal Addition of Royal .A.rcanum, Im- 
proved Order of Red Men, Fordham Club, North Side Board 
of Trade, Knights of Honor, Brownson Catholic Club, Benev- 
olent Protective Order of Elks, Knights of Columbus, Catholic 
Benevolent Legion, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Ancient Order 
United Workmen, member Tammany Hall General Committee, 
Bunker Hill Club, American Irish Historical Society, St. Joseph's 
Church (of which he is also the se.xton), and the Taxpayers' 
Alliance. On May 24, 1894, Mr. Fox married Elizabeth, daugh- 
ter of former tax assessor Henry Bracken, Esq. Their union 
has been blessed with five children, viz.: John J., Jr., Joseph, 
Henry and Thomas (now deceased), and Mary. Mr. Fox is a 
public-spirited citizen and has always advocated every measure 
whereby the borough would be benefitted. He has always con- 
tributed liberally to any cause worthy of recognition, especially 
where the public welfare entered into the question. He is 
esteemed by all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance. 



JOHN CIIAKLICK HUME, Civil Engineer acting as As- 
sistant Engineer in charge of street openings in the Bronx, was 
born at Mainaroneck, Westchester County. October 16, 1859. 
t-le was educated in the public schools, at the College of the 
City of New York, and also by private study. He has been a 
resident of the borougli eight years. He is a working Demo- 
crat and member of the Jefferson Democratic Club. He has 
never held an elect \e office, bill has been engaged on coast 
;ni(l li.irbiir s■u■\cy^ at NU w York since 1S8;. and continually 




JOHN CHARLICK HUME 

on matters pertaining 10 iniprovemenls in ihe liron.x under the 
Public Parks Depaitnient, under Comniis.-Nioner of Street Im- 
provements in the TweiUy-tiurd and Twenty-fourth Wards, 
under the Board of Public Improvements and under President 
llaffen. He is, in fact, the acknowledged authority as to matters 
of street openings in the borough. Mr. Hume was married, 
July 31, 1894, to Helen, daughter of Magnus Gross. Democratic 
leader and one time editor of the New Y'ork "Staats Zeitung." 
They have two children living, both girls, and one. a girl, dead. 

ALBERT L. WYMAN was born May 26, 1877, in the City 
of New York. His boyhood was spent in New York State, the 
first four years in the Borough of Manhattan and the next four 
ni Dundee, Yates County. When eight years old he moved to 
Hartford, Conn., where he lived until he was sixteen. At that 
age his ambitions led him to enter the Connecticut Literary In- 
stitution at Suffield, now known as Suffield Academy. There 
he studied hard and obtained excellent standing. He won prizes 
in all open competitions except declamations. He won first 
prize in extempore speaking, and also in prize debate, and second 
prize in English composition, his subject being, "The Utility of 
the Beautiful." He graduated in 1897, ranking at the head of 
his class. At this time he received the Charles Austin Latin 
prize, awarded to graduates having the highest rating in Latin 
during his junior and senior years. He was also president of 
his class. From Suffield he went to Colgate University at Hamil- 
ton. X. Y., where he joined the College Glee Club in his fresh 
man year and was elected a member of the Beta Theta Pi Fra- 
ternity. He spent his sophomore and junior years at Trinity 
College, Hartford, where he not only attained high standing, but 
also acted as pastor of the Sufiield Baptist Chapel as a means 





HENRY HAFFEN 



JULIUS C. WACHENHEIMER 





ALBERT F. VQLGENAU 



WILLIAM DAUE 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



349 



of self support while at college. He did not complete his college 
course, interests of greater importance having engaged his at- 
tention, and he returned to the city of his birth, New York City. 
He entered into business with zeal and intelligence, and acting 
on the principle that in order to learn modern business 
methods it is necessary to work for various business concerns, 
he made several changes in business connections during 
the first few years. His first year in business was spent in the 
employ of the B. F. Goodrich Co., of Akron, Ohio, one of the 
largest manufacturers of rubber goods in the United States, 
where he gained a thorough itisight in up-to-date business meth- 
ods. He also connected himself with the Yawman & Erbe Manu- 
facturing Co. of Rochester, N. Y., makers of filing systems. In 
December, 1904, he entered the employ of the "North Side News" 
as office manager and by strict attention to business has ad- 
vanced himself to the position of associate editor of the 
"American Banker." Mr. Wyman comes from Revolutionary 
slock, the Wymans having sailed from Green Hall, Sussex Coun- 
ty, England, in 1644, and settled in VVoburn, Massachusetts. There 
were two brothers, Francis and Jonathan, the subject of this 
sketch being descended from the latter. It is said that Mr. Wy- 
man's great-great-grandfather was "one of those present" at the 
historic Tea Party in Boston Harbor, and certain it is another of 
his forbears gave his life in the cause of liberty on the field of 
Lexington at the beginning of the Revolution. Prior to this, 
Seth Wyman had taken an active part in the Indian wars and was 
killed during a brush with the savages, who gave so much trouble 
to early Massachusetts settlers. Captain John Wyman was an- 
other conspicuous figure in Colonial days, and Admiral George 
Dewey, whose brilliant exploit in Manila Harbor in i8g8 is of 
historic moment, is a first cousin. Mr. Wyman seldom talks of 
family affairs, however, as he believes every man must rest on his 
own record, and make or mar his own fortune. 

WILLIAM DAUB, born September 26, 1846, at Nidda, 
Oberhessen, Germany, and educated at the public school of the 
same place, at the age of 14 years entered a mercantile house in 
the city of Ashafifenburg, Bavaria, and was with the house until 
18 years of age. The following three years, from 18 to 21, he 
traveled for a mercantile house in Frankfurt on the Main, Ger- 
many. In the fall of the year 1866, at the age of 21, he came to 
America, where he entered a retail dry goods store on Avenue A, 
corner of Seventh Street, as clerk, where he remained one year. 
In 1868 he went with the firm of Rothschild Brothers, later V. 
II. Rothschild & Co., one of the largest manufacturing concerns 
in America, manufacturing gents' shirts and ladies' waists, 
where he held the position of superintendent and manufacturer 
for over thirty years, until the year 1899, when the firm went 
out of business. October 31, 1870, he was married to Marian 
Lederer, of Putzlitz, Austria, and five children were born to 
them, three boys and two girls: Milton, Gabriella, Maurice, 
Hyacinth, and Jerome. In the summer of 1882, they came to the 
Bronx and lived in their own home at No. 700 East i4Sth 
Street, up to the time Mr. William Daub accepted the position 
of superintendent at Lebanon Hospital. While very active dur- 
ing the day in business, he could not spare very much time for 
social life, but found time enough to become a member of the 
Melrose Turnverein, and from 1883 he was a very active mem- 
ber and is up to the present day. All his children went to the 
Turnverein, and took up the different branches of studies con- 
nected with same, namely, drawing and German instruction. 
His children were all educated in the public school in the Bronx 
under principals J. J. Hyatt, and E. J. Clark. Very few Jewish 
families were then living in the Bronx, and nothing was done 



for religious training for Jewish children, and we find Mr. 
Daub in the years 1883 looking for Jewish children every Sunday, 
and within a few months he gathered together twenty-five to 
thirty children and began their religious training every Sunday 
morning from 9 to 12. The first Sunday school room used was 
Kirchhofif's Hall, later Turner Hall, then North Side Republican 
Hall, and from there to their own Temple in i4Sth Street, be- 
tween Willis and Brook Avenues, which has become a pillar of 
light to the Bronx and a credit to its organizers, and now is the 
place of worship of the Temple Hand-in-Hand, the first Jewish 
Synagogue in the Bronx, of which Mr. William Daub is the 
organizer and has been president for many years. In 1895 Mr. 
and Mrs. Wm. Daub celebrated their silver wedding at Loeffler's 
Hall, 148th Street and Willis Avenue. On this occasion we 
could see the many friends Mr. and Mrs. Daub had gained, and 
by the beautiful gifts the esteem in which they were held. 
Mr. William Daub is a member of Bethoven Lodge, No. 662, 
F. and A. M., of Palestine Lodge, No. 36, I. O. O. F. T.. of 
Temple Hand-in-Hand, Grand Lodge, I. O. F. S. of I., North 
Side Board of Trade and Melrose Turn Verein, and has been 
connected with the Democratic party since in the Bronx, but 
never looked for office. April i, 1901, Mr. William Daub was 
called by the directors of Lebanon Hospital to his present posi- 
tion as superintendent of the hospital, which he has filled with 
honor to himself and satisfaction of the board of trustees. The 
people of the Bronx can be proud that one out of their midst 
stands at the head of the institution who knows the wants and 
has the heart to give it. His administration during the last 
four years shows how much wider and broader the field of 
activity of the institution has become, and what the right man 
in the right place can do. The ambulance service and the 
numerous other modern improvements indicate fully their use- 
fulness during Mr. Daub's administration. We hope that for 
the future welfare of the Lebanon Hospital that Mr. William 
Daub will be the superintendent for many years to come. 

HENRY H.AFFEN, hailing from a distinguished family of 
the Bronx, was born at Courtlandt Avenue and Elton Street, 
August 22d, 1852. He received his first intimation of the alphabet 
from that famous old school of whom Mrs. Widows was the 
"Alpha and Omega," which was located on the corner of Cottage 
Avenue and Mott Street, where many of the older residents 
of the Bronx attended. In 1868 he entered St. John's College at 
Fordham, and took a post-graduate course. Completing his edu- 
cation, he entered into commercial pursuits, and having been 
"rocked in the cradle of democracy," he followed the footsteps 
of Jeffersonian principles, taking an active part in the advance- 
ment of his party's interests, and in 1880, was rewarded for his 
loyalty to the organization by a triumphant election to the Board 
of Aldermen, under the administration of Mayor Cooper. As 
.Alderman, he was chairman of the Committee on Lights, and 
signalized his position by introducing and passing the first 
ordinance establishing the Edison electric light system for 
municipal purposes. Mr. Haffen married June i, 1881, Miss 
Matilda Henrietta Stoller, a young lady of estimable family, who 
was born in New York City. He is at present connected with 
the municipal department of the Bronx, and occupies the position 
of Chief Inspector of Highways. He is a member of the Jeffer- 
son Club, and is very popular among his colleagues in the de- 
jiartment ; energetic, prompt, active and attentive to the dis- 
charge of his important duties, he is held in high esteem by the 
large army of employees engaged in the construction and re- 
pairing of the highways of the Bronx, 





WILLIAM DODCE PULLIS 



HENRY BRUCKNER 





ROBERT F. ZABRISKIE 



JACOB WAEGELE 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



351 



JACOB WAEGELE, a prominent citizen of the Bronx, 
and largely identified with its progress, was born in Brooklyn, 
New York, June 29, 1871, and was educated in the public 
schools of that latter city. After his graduation he learned 
ihe painter's trade and has been employed in the municipal de 
partment of the borough on public buildings for a long period. 
The son of Jacob and Marie Wagele, he was carefully edu 
cated and trained to be self-reliant and progressive. His father 
was a hotel keeper, and after his death Mr. Waegele succeeded 
him in the business, which he still successfully conducts at 
No. 3083 Third Avenue, known as Union Hall. Besides being 
identified with the public buildings of the Bronx, he has 
served three years, in the painting department of the street 
cleaning bureau of the city. On February 20, 1890, Mr. 
Waegele married Miss Anna Baur, daughter of George and 
Elizabeth Baur, of New York City. In March, 1905, the Jacob 
Waegele Association, a social organization, was organized in 
honor of Mr. Waegele, who was elected its standard bearer, 
and held its first outing in June. last. The organization of 
which he is the leader, has a large membership, and numbers 
among its members many gentlemen of prominence in the af- 
fairs of the Bronx. Mr. Waegele is a Democrat in politics, 
and is a member of the Jefferson Club, the Foresters of Ameri- 
ca and the U. S. Indemnity Society. He is well and familiarly 
known to all the public men of the borough, and takes an 
active interest in all matters pertaining to its progress and 
advancement. 

BERNARD BLUMENHAUER.— The son of William and 
Martha Elizabeth Blumenhauer, the former one of the most re- 
spected citizens in the Bronx, and also one of its leading con- 
tractors, was born in Germany, February 8, 1873, and when but 
seven months of age, was brought here by his family, from his 
native home in Germany. Fie attended and graduated from old 
Public School No. 62, at Melrose, and after his graduation, like 
all the scions of German families, he was apprenticed to a 
trade, in order that he might properly fit himself to meet and 
face the exigencies of the world, and prepare a future for him- 
scelf. His respected parents had him apprenticed to the iron 
structural work, and, after serving his full time, by his close 
application, his steady habits and his natural ability, he was grad- 
uated in his trade, which to-day is in such demand, and. perhaps, 
commands from those skilled mechanics employed in it, the 
highest wages paid in this or any other country for competent 
men. However, Mr. Blumenhauer. while he devoted a few 
years to his accomplished profession as a structural iron worker, 
thought of another business, which attracted his attention, and 
after careful consideration, entered into it on his own account. 
This was in 1903, when he started his present business of a storage 
warehouse and vans for the removal of families, either from 
the city or country or for the storage of their furniture in a 
secure and proper manner. Hailing from an old and highly re- 
spected family, who are among the best citizens of the borough. 
Mr. I'.luuH-nhauer has, by his energy and his practical metlnxK nf 
conducting his business, gained a large and a growing patronage, 
as one of the leading men in the removal of furniture and the 
storage warehouse business of the Bronx. His business is based 
and applied upon business principles, and herein is the result 
of his success. His integrity is unquestioned, and it is of such 
a high character that his whole popularity is based upon it. 
Young, ambitious, a resident of the Bronx for thirty-one years, 
he has built for himself a foundation for his prosperous business 
calling, that might be envied by the numerous moving men of 
the Bronx, who are his competitors. Mr. Blumenhauer was 



married on June 9, 1890, to Miss Christina Ruppert, an estima- 
ble young lady of the Bronx, who resides now in the same 
house where she was born, and the result of this happy union 
was one child, William, a very promising boy. Mr. Blumen- 
hauer and his family are members of the Dutch Reformed 
Church, and, personally, he is a member of the following clubs 
and societies: The Housesmiths and Bridgemen's Union, the 
Jefferson Club, the Elton. Jr., Pleasure Club and the "Waube 
Tribe," Order of Red Men. One of the first citizens of the 
Bronx, he lends his influence on all occasions to advance the 
progress and prosperity of the great borough. 

JOHN LERCH. retired jeweler, and one of the best 
known, as well as one of the most highly esteemed citizens of 
the Borough of the Bronx, was born in New York City, on Madi- 
son Street, near Jackson. He received a conmion school edu- 
cation, having attended the public school in old Mott Haven, 
now Morrisania. His father purchased property in the Bronx 
in 1850, where he operated stone quarries. The subject of this 
sketch has resided here since 1851. When a young man he 
learned the trade of a jeweler. For many years he was en- 
gaged in that business on his own account at 4 Maiden Lane. 
later removing to 3013 Third Avenue, which he conducted until 
1898. when he retired from active business, carrying with him a 
reputation of which he may well feel proud of. Mr. Lerch is 
a Democrat. He has never been an ofifice seeker, preferring to 
give attention to his business enterprises. He is a member of 
the German Reformed Church, 156th Street and Elton Avenue, 
and has always taken a deep interest in the welfare of that con- 
gregation, by whom he is universally respected. He was 
joined in holy wedlock with Miss Sophia Freutel ; one child 
was born to this union, Anna C, now the wife of Mr. George 
F. A. Olt. general manager of the Bronx branch of the Ger- 
mania Bank. Mr. Lerch is a gentleman of the old school 
type and is universally beloved and esteemed by all who have 
the honor of his acquaintance. 

ROBERT !•■. ZABRISKIE, of 456 East 146th Street, Bronx, 
has conducted a prosperous trucking business for the last thirty 
years, with offices at 61 Cliff Street, down town, and 135th 
Street and the Mott Haven Canal in the Bronx. Mr., Zabriskie 
is a native of New York, 40 years old. His education was ob- 
tained in the public schools of the city. He has lived in the 
Bronx since 1875. and is well and widely known, not only 
through his business, but from his connection with many or- 
ganizations, among them the Schnorer and Allegheny Clubs, 
the "Merry Five" Association, the Loyal Association and Subur- 
ban Council. No. 1354. Royal .Arcanum. He is an attendant of 
St. Ann's Church and a thorough Democrat. He was married 
September 7, 1880, to Miss Emily Flildebrandt, by whom he has 
three children, all living. Rolicrt F.. Jr., the eldest. Lillian H. 
and Gladys N. 

JAMES B. COS I'ELLO, as manager of the Morris Heights 
Hotel, is well and favorably known throughout all that part of 
the city. He is a Scotchman, born in Dumbarton, and educated 
m the board school there, but has been resident in New York 
now going on ten years. Politically he is a Republican, but has 
never aspired to office, though he has been a member of the 
Morris llciglils l\e|)ul)Iii.-;ni Cluh fur five or six years. He is a 
trustee of the T. W. Social Club and is patron of the J. B. Cos- 
tello Association, which is named for him. and has flourished 
about two years. Mr. Costello is the father of five children; 
but one. however, is living, David, a little one three and a 
half years old. the idol of his heart and apple of his eye. 



352 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



ERNEST T. SULZER, son of the founder of Sulzer's 
Harlem River Park and Casino, was born at the latter place 
July 9, 1876. At this period Harlem was little more than a 
village. It was only two years later when the first train of 
the elevated railroad was run to 125th Street and Third Avenue. 
Then commenced the building boom that in a few years after- 
wards made Harlem a populous district, and with this boom 
commenced the career of what is known far and wide as Sul- 
zer's Harlem River Park and Casino, at this period but a small 
and unpretentious hostelry, whose surroundings were nothing 
more or less than a few one-story shanties, goats and pigs ga- 
lore, but is to-day one of New York's most famous resorts for 
amusements, picnics and holiday celebrations. Nearly all of 
the leading societies of the city commemorate their anniversaries 
on its now historic grounds, which are equipped with every 
facility known to modern amusement architecture. Mr. Sulzer 
attended the public schools of Harlem and was finally gradu- 
ated at the University of Pennsylvania. He joined his father 
in the m.''.nagement of the park and casino and through his 
practical business methods has brought the famous concern 
into the great repute and distinction it now enjoys among the 
people of Greater New York. As one of the oldest parks in the 
city, occupying fully four city blocks, owned by and under the 
supervision of the Sulzer family, with one of the largest and 
finest decorated ball rooms in the world, it stands preeminent 
as the great amusement center of the metropolis. In politics 
Mr. Sulzer is a Democrat, a member of the Democratic Club, 
the Young Men's Democratic Club, the Mohawk Club, Tammany 
Central Club, Down Town Tammany Club, Miami Club, Metro- 
politan Yacht Club, Harlem Club, New Polo Athletic Club, Franz 
Shubert Mannerchor, Liederkranz, New York City ScluUzen, 
United German Societies, New York No. 40, Fraternal Order of 
Eagles, Lincoln Lodge, F. and A. M.. and 1. O. Odd Fellows. 

E. F. PHELPS, son of Hiram and Mary A. Phelps, was 
born at Saybrook, Conn., October 23. 1853. His father being 
a sturdy and influential farmer, had young Phelps educated at 
the public school of Hadline, a nearby town of East Haddam, 
Conn., where he applied himself studiously until his graduation, 
after which he assisted his father in the general management 
of their extensive farm, until his father's demise. He then en- 
tered mercantile life, opening a large market for supplying the 
seashore trade, which he developed into a large and profitable 
undertaking. Disposing of his business for a satisfactory 
remuneration, he accepted a position from a large china and glass- 
ware house of Hartford, Conn., as its general manager and New 
York buyer, which he managed successfully for some time. His 
aptitude and business qualifications for the latter trade attracted 
the attention of a prominent and old established wholesale chir.a, 
glass and crockery importing firm of New York City, who se- 
cured his services, and for a few years, he travelled through the 
states as their representative and established for them a large 
and profitable business. Retiring from this industry with the 
regrets of his eninloyes, he entered into the service of the Man- 
hattan Railway Company of this city, receiving a responsible 
position in the mechanical department, which he conducted suc- 
cessfully for over four years, but owing to painful injuries re- 
ceived through an accident, was compelled to abandon his duties 
and resigned. After recovering from his injuries, he reentered 
commercial life, accepting a prominent position with the well 
known piano manufacturers, Wheelock & Co., in whose service 
he remained for over four years as one of its most active and 
respected employees. The Central Gas Company of the Bronx 
had eagerly anticipated an opportunity to secure the services of 
such an active progressive man as Mr. Phelps, and when ap- 



proached with a tempting offer by them, he readily assented and 
gave them invaluable service for nearly three years. During all 
this period of active participation in the commercial struggles 
that he so successfully managed, Mr. Phelps had always con- 
sidered that his abilities and his tastes were better qualified for 
the handling and the management of property and property 
interests, than any other vocation he miglit engage in. This 
determination was so firmly established in his mind that in 1891 
he disposed of all other business responsibilities and entered into 
the real estate business as a broker and manager of estates, and 
since the latter period, he has applied himself so diligently to 
his work, and so successfully to all the business entrusted to him 
by his large and influential clientage, that his name and his un- 
impeachable character and repvitation is so firmly and so favor- 
bly established throughout the Borough of the Bronx and Man- 
hattan, that he stands second to none in the list of eminent 
names who are the leading real estate dealers of the Greater 
City. His knowledge of properties and their respective values, 
combined with his indomitable push and energy to secure for 
and to make profitable investments for his clients are the great 
characteristics that attract the attention of investors and own- 
ers, and that cause so many of them to place their purchases or 
their offerings in his charge. Mr. Phelps was married in 1900 
to Miss Annie M. Mullen, of Philadelphia, and has one son 
living named Spencer. He is a member of the Congregational 
Church, and is of such a strenuous nature in his business, that 
he has not the time to join societies or organizations, though 
his inclinations are all favorable to them. He is an old and 
active member of that celebrated organization known as the 
"Governor's Foot Guard" of Hartford, Conn., who are crowned 
with the same lustre attributed to the "Ancient and Houor- 
ahles" of Boston. 

ALBERT F. 'VOLGENAU, secretary at present to the 
Fire Commission, and an ex-journalist, formerly connected with 
the dailies of the city and the Associated Press, is a Bronx resi- 
dent this past four years. He was born in Brooklyn, lived for a 
while when a child in Buffalo, and up to the time he moved to 
the north side of the river, was a resident of Harlem. He is 
;i2 years old and a man of family. He was married, December 
23, 1900, to Miss Grace L. Cloughen of Harlem. They have 
had two children, but one is dead. Mr. Volgenau is a public 
school graduate and Tammany Democrat. He is a member of 
the Jefferson Tammany Club, the Tammany General Committee, 
the Elks and Bronx Press Club. 

HENRY HRL'CKNER is well know-n in a business way as 
a mineral water manufacturer at 668 East i6ist Street. To the 
public at large his name is familiar as that of a man prominent 
in the Democratic organization, after whom the Henry Bruckner 
Association is named, and as a member of the House of Assem- 
bly of the State, which met at Albany in iQOO, that of one who 
served the people of his constituency we may add, faithfully, 
intelligently and efficiently. As why, indeed, should he not? He 
had everj' qualification. He is a native and has lived here all 
his life. lie was born in the Bron.x June 17, 1S71 — some thirty- 
four years ago. He graduated from the public schools of the 
district at 15 in 1886, and has been employed or engaged in busi- 
ness here ever since. He married here also. Miss Helen A. Zobel, 
November 17, 190.4, and is the happy father of one child, Henry, 
jr., a bouncing boy. Mr. Bruckner belongs to a number of 
organizations, among others the following: Lily Lodge, F. and 
A. M., Metropolitan, R. A. M., Constable Commandery, Mecca 
Temple, Crescent Lodge, I. O. O. F., Wanibi Tribe, I. O. R. M., 
and Court Mott Haven, of the Foresters. 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



353 



CHARLES J. REINHARDT, one of the most prosperous 
and important storage warehouse proprietors of the Bronx, lo- 
rated at Wakefield, was born at the latter place, on Marcli lo. 
1858, and was educated in the public schools at Mount Ver- 
non. Growing to manhood Mr. Reinhardt became interested 
largely in public affairs, and aided materially in the develop- 
ment of Wakefield. His active efforts in the latter direction 
were rewarded by the public, who elected him Commissioner 
of Highways, a very responsible position, during which time he ac- 
complished wonderful results for the benefit of the village. The 
son of Jacob Frederick and Caroline Reinhardt, highly re- 
spected citiizens of the village, he was raised and educated by 
them, to become what his whole progress in life has proved, an 
upright, useful and progressive citizen. In 1903 Mr. Reinhardt 
erected his present large and commodious storage warehouse, 
with a residence adjoining thereto, which has become a val- 
uable adjunct to the upper portion of the Borough and acts 
as a great convenience for the large and growing population 
north of Williamsbridge and adjacent cities and villages. The 
storage warehouse is large, commodious and fitted up with the 
latest modern improvements, providing for the safekeeping 
of valuable furniture, bric-a-brac, and other valuable house- 
hold furnishings. His vans are large, and of the latest and best 
patterns, and his e.xtensive business- is a guarantee of his 
popular methods in transacting his business for the public at 
large. On March 15, 1888, Mr. Reinhardt married Miss 
Freese, a lady of high personal attainments, and the daughter 
of Frederick and Josephine Freese, of Wakefield, the result 
of this union being two sons, Charles F., and George Reinhardt. 
both of whom are living. With a striking personality, Mr. Rein- 
hardt occupies the position as one of Wakefield's first citizens, 
and enjoys the distinction of being one of its most popular 
business men. 

FREDERICK HALL, dry goods merchant, of 985 Tremont 
Avenue, Bronx, was born in Denmark, thirty-six years ago. He 
has been located in this borough about three years. He came 
here from Manhattan, and is more than pleased with the change 
and presages great things for the borough when its waste places 
are all reclaimed, built up and settled. Mr. Hall is a good 
Democrat and a strong Catholic. He married September 5, 1896, 
in the Ninth Ward, Miss Delia Fay. It has proven a happy 
match, but one thus far unblessed with children. 

THOMAS F. KIERNAN, born in Ireland December 22. 
1846, but a resident of this city for thirty-five or thirty-six 
years, is one of the best-known denizens of the borough. He is 
a plastering and building contractor, a good, staunch Democrat, 
and member of the Catholic Church. Mr. Kiernan married in 
1871 Miss Elizabeth Brophy. He has had nine children. Of 
these seven, six daughters and one son, are living. The son, 
Thomas, Jr., is an artist on the staff of the "North Side News." 
and a young man of decided talent with the caricaturist's pencil. 

W. GUY GARY, D. D. S., formerly located at No. 2929 
Third Avenue, Borough of the Bronx, was born at Sheboygan. 
Wis., September 12, 1873, and during his early youth attended 
the public school of his native town, and at the age of twelve 
finished his preliminary studies in Manhattan. Having a natural 
aptitude for a professional career, he chose that of dentistry, 
and after having successfully passed his high school examination 
at Syracuse, N. Y.. he entered the College of Aural and Dental 
Surgery, located in West Forty-second Street. After close 



^application and diligent study for three years he was graduated 
in igo2, receiving his degree D. D. S. with exceptionally high 
honors, being elected valedictorian of his class. His successful 
career began immediately upon opening a dental parlor in Man- 
hattan, and after one year's practice in that borough decided 
to move to the Bronx; this was in 1903, and he established one 
of the finest and most complete dental parlors north of the 
Harlem River, locating at No. 2929 Third .\venue. It was not 
long before he sought one to share his success and incidentally 
assist him in his work. A partnership was decided upon, and 
in 1903 he entered into same with Mrs. Estelle Sutton, of the 
llronx, who had liad twelve years' experience in this profession, 
.•ind was instrumental in increasing the practice to what it is to 
day. Dr. Gary's specialty was that of porcelain inlay work, 
and his new method of extraction of teeth, which rendered the 
operation painless and harmless by the compounding of his 
own original prescription for local anaesthesia of the gums, the 
use of which gave him a wide reputation in his particular line 
uf denial work. It is needless to say. judging from the large 
nalninayc. thai al! olher work is kept up to the highest standard. 




W. GUY GARY. D.D.S. 

.\flcr a brief illness. Dr. Gary died in December, 1905, leaving 
.111 immense practice to be cared for by his widow, formerly 
.Mrs. Estelle Sutton, whom he married on August 31, 1904. 
nnil her busy application to all the doctor's affairs and her knowl- 
edge of the business enabled her to continue along the same 
lines as before. On May i, 1906, Mrs. Gary moved to a more 
spacious parlor located at No. 2937 Third Avenue, where she 
has installed everything tending to the comfort of the patient, 
and is ably assisted by two competent graduates. In politics 
Dr. Gary was a National Republican, but locally he was affiliated 
with the Democratic party, taking a deep and active interest in 
all matters pertaining to public benefit ; his support was always 
liberally given when desired. He had many influential friends 
but never sought political favors, nor was he ever an oflire 
seeker. He was a member of Wyoming Lodge, No. 492 (senior 
deacon), F. and A. M., Ivy Chapter, R. A. M., at Bronx Temple. 
Secretary of the Alumni of the College of .'Kural and Dental 
Surgery, a member of the Willis Avenue M. E. Church, and an 
enthusiastic member of the Y. M. C. A. Dr. Gary was not 
survived by any children. 





FRANK ARMINGTON SPENCER 



CAPTAIN WILLIAM H. HODGINS 





CHARLES J. REINHARDT 



FREDERICK HALL 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



355 



M. OPPENHEIM, the leading and most prominent gents' 
furnishing merchant in the Borough of the Bronx, was born 
at Hoffenheim, Germany, November 14, 1870. He came to the 
United States wliile very young and was educated in the public 
schools, after which he was employed in a gents' furnishing 
store, where he labored incessantly for the meagre pay of $1.80 
per week. This employment was continued until 1897, when 
he opened a store in the Bronx on his own account, in a small 
way and by his industry and business acumen he succeeded in 
establishing a business in the Bronx that is recognized by the 
great community as the palace of fashion in men's furnishing 
goods of every description, and of the best quality manufactured 
by the leading firms of the United States and Europe. The 
rapid growth of the Bronx and the large and substantial patron- 
age received by Mr. Oppenheim required further development 
of his business, so that in 1903 he opened one of the largest and 
finest stores in Tremont, known as No 764 Tremont Avenue, 
his main and original store being located at No. 2777 Third Ave- 
nue. For seven years he has been a merchant of the Bronx and 
hr.s the entire confidence of leading citizens of the borough, who 



JOSEPH EDWARD CHAUVET, D. D. S„ one of the 
nsost progressive residents of Bronx Borough, was born in New 
York City, August 22, 1869. His preliminary education was 
obtained in the public schools, and upon completing this course, 
he was sent to Europe, where he spent two years mastering 
the French tongue. On his return he entered the New York 
College of Dentistry and graduated therefrom in 1889. Dur- 
ing tlie same yenr he opened an office in the Haskin Build- 
ing and entered actively upon the practice of his profession. 
He is at present located at Webster Avenue and Kingsbridge 
Road. Dr. Chauvet has resided in Bronx Borough since 1887; 
before that he lived in Manhattan. He is a member of, and 
has held office in the Royal Arcanum ; he belongs to the Friday 
Afternoon Bowling Club, and he is a prominent inember and 
one-time official of the Fordham Club. In 1889 Dr. Chauvet 
became a member and acting secretary of the Bedford Park 
Local Improvement Club. The object of this organization and 
of its auxiliaries throughout the Bronx, was to elect to office 
men of independent politics and to advance the interests of 
the borough generally. It soon came to be an influential and 




extend to him a liberal patronage for his enterprise, his abso- 
lute integrity and gentlemanly qualifications. On Thanksgiving 
Day, 1900, Mr. Oppenheim married an estimable and highly re- 
fined lady, Miss Julia Bachrach, of this city, and has two most 
promising children, Ernestine and Monroe. One of the youngest 
and most successful merchants in the borough, keeping up with 
the rapid pace of advancement and improvement, Mr. Oppen- 
heim gives promise to become in the near future the most im- 
portant adjunct of its mercantile community. 

WM. H. ROBINSON, plumber, of Victor Street, Van Nest 
Park, is a Philadelphian by birth, 47 years old, and a live and 
successful business man. He was brought up in this city and 
was educated in the public schools here. The Bronx has been 
his place of residence and of business also, for about ten years, 
and he has profited by its unexampled building prosperity. Mr. 
Robinson married in 1890, Miss Mary Criramin. They have 
three children living and one dead. The living children are : 
Mary L., Willie J. and Geo. B. He is a member of the Corona 
Club, and is usually of Democratic proclivities politically. 



most efficient body. Dr. Chauvet is the owner of the celebrated 
Poe cottage, Kingsbridge. He is a Catholic and resides in the 
parish of Our Lady of Mercy. Professionnllv ;n-;d socially, he 
is one of the best known gentlemen of the borough. His prac- 
tice is a lucrative one. He counts among his clientele many of 
the prominent people of this part of the city. 

EDGAR GEORGE INGRAM, a leading dentist of the 
Bronx for the past fifteen years, was born at London, England, 
in 1871. He received a practical education in England, and 
after coming to New York City, entered and graduated at the 
head of his class in the New York College of Dentistry. Dr. 
Ingram has a very large practice among the leading families of 
the Bronx, and enjoys the confidence both of his patients and 
his numerous colleagues of the profession. On December 7, 
1892, he married Miss Ermina Adelaide Van Iderstine, and 
has one son, Everett Stanley. The doctor and his family are 
members of the Tremont Baptist Church and occupy a high 
standing among the devotees of this well known house of wor- 
ship. 





JOSEPH EDWARD CHAUVET, D. D. S. 



HARRY B. HA3KIN 





FRANK S. HOLAHAN 



FREDERICK HITCHCOCK 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



357 



ALPIIONSE GERMAN CARON, one of the prominent 
undertakers and practical enibalmers of the Borough of the 
Bronx, was born at Cherbourg, France, January 4, 1861, and 
came with his parents to New York City at the age of two years. 
The son of Joseph Caron, who was one of Europe's most famous 
clowns and pantomimists and his mother, who was a premier 
(lanseuse and a member of the famous Zanfretta family, he wa^ 
trained to the profession and his professional career has ex- 
tended over the greater part of his life, thirty years of it at least 
under the circus tents, was the only habitation he knew. He 
was but three years old when he first made his American debut. 
With his father and brothers they came with the original Han- 
Ions, and "Al" was known as the property baby. Their coming 
to tliis country was the signal of success for the musteritig of all 
the families' circus connections from half the capitals of Europe 
From Austria, Hungary, England and South America flocked 
the Martin Eddys, who were famous clowns and showmen, the 
entire Zanfretta family who were dancers and patnmimists, the 
Seagrists who were clowns, the Ravels of the Ravel Pantomimie 
Company, and Marie 'Vanoni, singer and mimic, all of the former 
being related by blood or marriage to the famous Carons. Mr. 
Caron was with Barnuni. Bailey & Hutchinson's circus for six- 
teen years, with Charine's circus travelling through Cuba and 
all South American States, and also with Sells Bros.' circus for 
five years. During the latter part of his professional life, dis- 
covering that he was becoming too stout and heavy to do his 
famous acts, he commenced the study of aijatomy and embalm- 
ing between his celebrated trick acts. Securing the best an- 
th'orities and authors' standard works on this subject, he ap- 
plied himself diligently to his studies. His acrobatic studies 
taught him a great deal alx)Ut anatomy, and after a serious acci- 
dent he concluded to withdraw from his old profession and 
become an undertaker and embalmer. His careful studies en- 
abled him to secure a clear and comprehensive knowledge of the 
business. His wife, who was a good actress, he taught to be a 
bareback rider and one day her horse fell, hurting her severely, 
and it was then that Mr. Caron gave up the business and started 
in on his own account in the undertaking business. From the 
start his success has been equal to that of any other of his 
colleagues in the Borough of the Bronx. His reputation for 
attending to the most minute details of his calling is of the very 
highest order and has brought to him a large clientage of the 
best citizens of the borough. Systematic and methodical in all 
his business affairs and a practical professor of anatomy his 
embalming process is of the highest order and is practically 
acknowledged to be deserving of the highest praise. His facili- 
ties for conducting funerals and his methods of doing so are 
both equal to any other first class undertaking establishment in 
the borough. He was educated at the public schools of Bleecker 
oud Moll Streets and finished his curriculum at Williamsliridge 
He was married January 26, 1885, to Miss Elizabeth Peterson, who 
\.'as a proiTiinent and successful actress. Air. Caron is a promi- 
nent meinber of the Catholic Benevolent Legion, the Royal 
Arcanum, the Forest'.TS and Old Dutch Fi .e .\ssociatibn. and oP',- 
of the highly respected citizens of the Bronx, who has made it 
his home for nearly forty years and who aids in every possible 
way all public improvements that are advantageous to the great 
and rapid development of the borough; he enjoys the confidence 
of his fellow citizens and a liberal patronage from them, as an 
enterprising and reliable umlcrlaker and embalmer. 

JOHN NIMPHIUS. owner and builder of the extensive 
North Side Storage Warehouse, was born in New York City, 
October i, 1857, and is a resident of the Bronx since 1859. His 
father. John Nimphius, was an old and well known resident 



of the Bron.x, coming to New York in 1840 from Germany, and 
opened a bakery, but later entered the grocery business at 149th 
J^treet and Third Avenue, where he resided for many years. 
When the younger Nimphius left school, he assisted his father 
for a few years, then commenced the express business on his 
own account, ami retiring in 1884. became connected will", 
the Custom House under Cleveland's administration. He was 
also connected with the Highway Department of the Bron.x 
frotn its inception. His general activity and push brought him 
into contact with a large number of the most eminent mer- 
chants of New York, for whom he conducted their exclusive 
rind extensive trucking business. H. B. Ciaflin & Co.. Swecizer. 
Pembroke & Co., Halstead, Haines & Co., Bates, Reed & Cav- 
ley, Dunham Buckley. George Bliss & Co., John Spellman & 
Bros., and this business he held for a number of years. With 
all of his large business interests, Mr. Nimphius had time to 
devote to the Volunteer Fire Department of the Bronx, of 
which he was one of the chief engineers up to the period of 
annexation. In 1870, he married Miss Elizabeth Hutzler, of 
the Bron.x, and has now a happy and promising family of si.x 
childivn, namely, William G., Henry .\.. Peter J.. Jam^-. 
.\melia and Gertrude. He is a Democrat in politics, has never 
held any public office, but is a member of the Jefferson Club, 
the Schnorers, Tallapoosa, Bron.x Borough Club and Exempt 
Firemen's Association. In 1904, Mr. Nimphius erected that 
large and commodious storage and warehouse structure from 
521 to S25 Bergen Avenue, near Third Avenue and 149th 
Street The building is six stories, with a frontage and depth 
of 50x100, containing six hundred rooms for storage of furni- 
ture and other valuables, and is the best equipped storehouse 
in the Bronx. In a short time two additional stories will be 
added to the structure, making it the largest and tallest build- 
ing in the Bronx at the present writing. The rapid growth 
of the Bronx demands increased facilities for storage pur- 
poses, and Mr. Niiuphiu-.. with his usual enterprise, has prn 
vided this magnificeiu liuilding. 

ALFRED C. CILMORE is engaged in the upholslerin:^ 
line at 1020 Boston Road, enjoying there a highly prosperous 
business. He is a native of New York, 34 years old, a resident 
of the borough since he was 14. He has never held any politi- 
cal office — never sought one for that matter — but is conspicuous 
in church and Sunday school matters. He is an active member 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Pro.spect Avenue and 
-Vlacy Place, has been connected with it, in fact, for the last 
fourteen years, that is from its organization. He was elected 
Superintendent of the Sunday school of that congregation six 
years ago and still retains that position. He has been a mem- 
ber and treasurer of the Bronx Sunday School Association for 
some years. Mr. Gilmore is a widower. He nrarried Julia 
Hankinson in 1892, and has two boys, Everett, aged 11, at the 
present time, and Julian. 9. 

JOHN MONAGHAN, clerk of the Second District Muni 
cipal Court, under Judge Tierney, has lived here in the Bronx 
all his life. He was born on i52d Street, near Fourth Avenue, 
m February. 1862. He is a well known Democrat of the Bronx 
and a member of the principal party organizations of the bor 
ough, the Tallapoosa. Jefferson and others among them. He 
belongs also to the Elks, the Royal Arcanum, the Bunker Hill 
.Association, and the Brownson Catholic Club. He has been 
clerk of court eight years. He married November, 1886, Miss 
Mary Campbell. They have four children, Kate, Josephine, 
.\rdell and Paul Kruger. 





ALPRED c. a;:,MC 



JOHN MOKACKAN 





*1!. H. R03;j.-S0N 



EEGAS C-50SGE DiGRAM 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



359 



HANDEL VICTOR PHASEY, Bandmaster, Composer, Eu- 
phonion Virtuoso. — Handel Phasey comes from a celebrated 
family of English musicians. His father, the late Alfred James 
Phasey, was the inventor of the euphonion, and held the exalted 
position of Musician-in-ordinary to her late Majesty Queen 
Victoria. His brother, Alfred, was soloist in Patrick Gilmore's 
band for ten years. The subject of this biographical sketch was 
born in Banbury (celebrated for its cakes), Oxford, England, in 
1S64; therefore, he is in his fortieth year. He received his educa- 
tion at Ardingly College, Sussex, England, and his father, in- 
tending that he should follow a commercial life, apprenticed 
him to William Whiteley, a firm similar to Macy's and Siegel- 
Cooper. Mr. Handel at once joined a brass band, which had 
been formed in this firm, and took up and studied the euphonion 
and brass trombone; after eighteen months he deserted the 
firm and enlisted in the Royal Horse Artillery Band. lie was 
then sent to the military training school of music, known as 
Kneller Hall, and after two years' study rejoined his regiment. 
He made a great reputation as an euphonion soloist, and soon 
forged his way to the front rank of his profession. He held the 
most enviable positions in England; among them we may men- 
tion the world-wide known Crystal Palace Orchestra, under the 
leadership of Sir August Manns. Among the many prominenl 
leaders' batons he has played under, we may mention Sir Arthur 
Sullivan, Sir A. McKenzie, Lieut. Dan Godfrey, etc. Mr. Phasey 
toured Canada and the United States in 1898, being starred 
throughout the tour. Both the Canadian and American press 
were unanimous in declaring his performances highly artistic. 
Mr. Phasey was long the bandmaster of the Royal Artillery 
Band at Southend, England, holding the commissioned rank of 
lieutenant. He relinquished this position to become Musical 
Director of Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire. The band 
was known as "Phasey's Band." Whilst here he fulfilled several 
engagements at garden parties given by the celebrated novelist, 
Marie Corelli. Mr. Phasey says he found English ways too slow 
for him (and any one knowing Mr. Phasey's hustling nature can 
readily believe him), and he became anxious to return to the 
land of his adoption. It may be of interest to mention that four 
of the Phasey family are naturalized American citizens, viz., 
Alfred, Handel, William and Reginald, and all are in the 
musical profession. Mr. Phasey was the recipient of an il- 
luminated address, accompanied by an ivory gold-mounted baton 
and gold-enameled medal when he retired from his Leamington 
engagement, and only recently the great musical firm of Boosey 
& Co. presented him with a silver euphonion. Mr. Phasey has 
fulfilled some important engagements in this country and Canada, 
among them two most successful concerts at Herald Square 
Theatre, WiUow Grove Park, Philadelphia, Pa., Toronto, Mon- 
treal, Quebec, Winnipeg, etc. The New York "Herald" said of 
the band performances at Herald Square Theatre: "No higher 
compliment can be paid a band than to say it is as good as 

Sousa's, and this can be said of Phasey's He much 

resembles Victor Herbert in appearance ; therefore, he is stout 
and jovial looking." Mr. Phasey has many interesting remini- 
scent anecdotes which he tells in a very pleasing manner, caus- 
ing much laughter. He is a host in himself, and I found that 
the time slipped by too quickly when I was in his society. He 
has certainly made many friends in the Bronx Borough by his 
band performances at Claremont Park, and his most cheerful 
acquiescence to the great demand for encores. He has pur- 
chased a nice house at Clay Avenue, Bron.x, where he enjoys the 
cheerful society of his wife and three children. He is a mem- 



ber of many New York clubs, including the Schnorer, B. P. O- 
Elks, No. I Lodge, Jeft'erson Club, Sons of St. George, F. and 
A. M., 742, Star of Cuba Lodge. 

ARTHUR BOEHMER, architect, has won distinction among 
his confreres of that profession as a man of European educa- 
tion, culture and training, and as one who has given special 
attention to the artistic side of the work. He was born in an 
art center, indeed, and schooled there, brought up in an atmos- 
pnere of art in fact, an inestimable advantage to one in his line. 
He is a native of Dresden, Germany, and was educated in the 
high school there and at the Royal Polytechnic and Royal 
Academy of that city. At 21, having served his time as a soldier, 
as all the German youths must do, he went from Hamburg, 
where he had been stationed, to Paris, and entered the Ecole des 
Beaux Arts, there to study architecture. He graduated from 
that great school with honors in 1883, at the age of 24, and, 
having spent a year travelling through France, Italy, Austria, 
Germany, Holland and England, returned to Dresden and 
"buckled down to business." His talents were readily recog- 
nized, but in 1885, seeking a broader field, he came to the 
United States and was employed for several years at Scranton, 
Pa., in the construction of factories. In 1888 he settled in New 
York and opened an office down town at Nassau and Liberty 
Streets, with a branch in Tremont. Here he has competed for 
such work as the Grant monument and Hall of Records, and 
has drawn plans for many large factories in the South, Southeast 
and New England and for tenements, apartments, colleges, etc., 
in New Y'ork and its environs. Mr. Boehmer is an accomplished 
linguist; he speaks fluently a number of the European languages. 
He is a member of the Lutheran Church, unmarried as yet, an 
independent in politics, a devotee of hunting and fishing and 
very fond of all animals. His single public service was a con- 
nection at one time with the Board of Education. 

GEORGE FIENCKE, the popular treasurer of the Twenty- 
third Ward Property Owners' Association, who started in busi- 
ness in 1871 at 124s Broadway, New York City, as decorator, 
was born May 12, 1839, in the town of Luneburg, Germany, 
where he received an ordinary education. In 1865 he came to 
New Y'^ork and settled in what is known as the Melrose section 
of the Borough of the Bronx. He went almost immediately 
into the business of selling paints, wall paper, etc., and was 
very successful from the beginning. He applied the major por- 
tion of his time to the welfare of his business and very soon 
became an authority on "How to Succeed." He is prominent 
in the administration of the affairs of the Melrose Turn Verein, 
an institution of increasing popularity, for advancing intellectual 
and physical welfare. He is one of the founders, and only 
treasurer, of the Twenty-third Ward Property Owners' 
-Association, where his admirable qualities and public spiritedness 
caused him to be offered the office of treasurer which he ac- 
cepted and which he holds at the present day. Mr. Fiencke has 
three children : Bettie, George and Virginia. 

JAMES P. DUNN, a native of the city, 42 years old, and 
a graduate of Manhattan College, class of 1878, is General In- 
spector of Water Supply for Bronx Borough, which position 
he has held for eighteen years. He is a Democrat, ten years 
resident in the borough, a member of the Elks, the Knights of 
Columbus and the Bruckner Association. He is a married man 
with a wife and seven children, of whom five are sons and 
two daughters. His wife was, before their marriage. Miss Mar- 
garet E. Goss. 




HANDEL VICTOR PHASEY 



History of bronx borough 



36 J 



Frederick hitch cock, whose ancestors came to 
Westchester County several years previous to the American 
Revolutionary war, and who were among the first settlers of the 
county, was born at West Farms, January i8, i860, and was 
graduated at Public School No. 60. His grandfather, Jeremiah 
Hitchcock, owned a farm and inn at Bronxdale, which is now 
in possession of a millionaire. This farm consisted of about 
fifty acres and, as in those days, was laid out in parcels. During 
the Revolutionary war Jeremiah Hitchcock sufifered severely 
from foraging attacks of the Hessians, who had at that time 
invaded his neighborhood, and he was often obliged at night 
time to sleep out under an old oak tree which stood close to 
a stone wall, in order to save his life. This tree still remains 
and flourishes. Mr. Hitchcock's father was born on this prop- 
erty on May ~, 1835, and is one of the brightest e.xamples of 
the older residents of Westchester County, being hale, hearty 
and vigorous in his health, both mentally and physically. The 
latter's sister, Margarette, now 92 years of age, is living in 
robust health at Mount Vernon and his brother, William Fred- 
erick Ryer Hitchcock, at Brooklyn. After his graduation he 
chose to enter a mercantile life and after an experience of a few 
years in the fish, meat and grocery trade, he commenced business 
on his own account in 1883 and laid the foundation of his large 
wholesale and retail fish and oyster business, which he has so 
successfully conducted at No. 2726 Third Avenue. One of the 
largest dealers in the Bronx and one of its most active business 
men, he has become popular among the leading residents for his 
genial manners, his absolute fairness in his dealings and for the 
tine quality and perfection of the sea food always to be found 
at his market. In 1896 he organized the now famous Hitchcock's 
Fishmongers' Association, of which he is the present and origi- 
nal standard bearer. The association has a large membersliip 
and holds its outings annually, which are attended by large 
numbers of Bronx citizens who proclaim it one of tlie must popu- 
lar associations of the great borough. He is also a prominent 
and active member of the North Side Board of Trade. Mr. 
Hitchcock was twice married, his first wife being Miss Margaret 
Smith, of the Bron.x, deceased, and his second marriage to Mis^ 
Hannah Swartz, of the Bronx ; he has three promising and in- 
teresting children. May, Elsie and Frederick Hitchcock. He is 
the son of George and Mary Ann Hitchcock, both of whom were 
born in Westchester County, the father who is at present nearly 
70 years of age, is hale and hearty, while the mother died about 
thirty-eight years ago. Mr. Hitchcock has three branch stores, 
one at 1897 Washington Avenue, Tremont, the second at Ford- 
ham Square, near the Fordham Depot, and the third at No. 8 
Palisade Avenue. Yonkers. and one on Main street, Westchester. 
From these distributions he supplies the very best families of 
the borough, and maintains the position of the largest fish and 
oyster dealer north of the Harlem River. 

EDWARD SMITH, a prominent builder and contractor, 
whose office is located in the Hamilton Bank building at 125 
East 125th Street, Harlem, was born in Ireland, but early in 
youth he came to America with his parents who located in New 
York. He attended the public schools when a boy, where he 
received a good education. For the past eight years Mr. Smith 
has been a prominent resident of Bronx Borough. He is en- 
gaged largely in the work of erecting high class apartment build- 
ings in the upper Harlem district, as well as in the Bronx. He has 
recently constructed some very fine ones on 140th Street in 
ihe fashionable district near the North River. Mr. Smith is a 
Democrat in politics, but not active. He is married and has 
four children, viz. : Edward M., Daniel L., James W., and one 
daughter. 



L. E. LEVY & CO. — The popular dry goods firm of the 
Bronx and proprietors of the Bostonian store at Third Avenue, 
corner 164th Street, which they opened in 1901, have built up an 
extraordinary business at the Bostonian. They have popular- 
ized themselves ;imong the people of the Bronx and adjacent 
villages for the excellent class, quality and variety of the goods 
they carry in stock and the moderate prices they charge for the 
same. Visitors and purchasers who enter the Bostonian are 
amazed at the perfect system employed by the firm, for the 
trcneral courtesy of the employees towards them, and for the 
afifable treatment they receive, whether they are purchasers or 
not. These methods, so often lacking among the retail dry 
good houses, has brought an avalanclie of trade and praise from 
the large army of lady purchasers throughout the great bor- 
ough. The head of this large and flourishing dry goods em- 
porium is Mr. L. E. Levy, the senior member, whose strong 
personality and practical business ideas and methods are con- 
spicuously noticed in every department of the Bostonian. His 
treatment of fifty employees is not only fatherly, but it is 
of such a business nature that his instructions are faithfully 
(.beyeii, and it seeni> In them a pleasure to do so. Keen and 
alert to the wants of the people, he has established for his 




prosperous house a reputation second to no other similar estab- 
lishment in the Bronx. For several years Mr. Levy conducted 
l)usiness successfully on his own account at Willis Avenue and 
I37tii Street. The Bostonian Dry tioods Store has become a 
walchword aiiiuiit; the families of the Bronx, and its reputation 
for square dealing, honest prices, goods of the first quality and 
general satisfaction guaranteed. The Bostonian store is a credit 
to the large and rapidly growing mercantile community of the 
borough and is more than worthy of a place in its history. 

OWEN JOSEPH CLINTON, the "village blacksmith," as 
he is known throughout Westchester — and proud of it — is the 
well known horse-shoer ami wheelwright of West Farms 
Road. He was born in County Louth, Ireland, but came to 
this country and settled in the locality he is in now, when he 
was 10 years old. He attended school in Westchester, started 
as a boy in his present line, and has pursued it ever since. He 
is a good Democrat and fervent Catholic, and belongs to St. 
Raymond's Church and the Holy Name Society, to the A. O. H. 
and Knights of Columbus, to the Foresters and Brotherhood ot 
the Union. He married in 1875, Margaret Cosgrove, and again 
upon her death, Mary Jane Lane. Twelve children, fiuits of 
these two unions, nine sons and three daughters, are living. 




H 


F^l 


Ho 




H' ^ 


^^fi^ ^^^^^^H 


n 


Es^d^m 



PETER GOETZ 



JOHN THOMAS JORDAN 





ALPHONSE GERMAN CARON 



JOHN NIMPHIUS 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



363 



EDWARD ROWAN, proprietor of the Dental Depot at 
837 East 163d Street, and manufacturer of the famous "Decimal 
Gold Foil" preparations, was born in Canada, in 1850, where 
he received his early education. He came to New York City 
in 1872, and devoted six years to the art of producing chemically 
pure gold. In 1878 he commenced business on his own ac- 
count, to manufacture goods of his own design, which were 
principally the Decimal Gold Foil adapted to dental purposes. 
So complete had been his success, that for the past twenty years 
his goods have been the standard of purity, ease of manipulating, 
and general excellence for the dental profession. As a refiner of 
gold for dental purposes, his reputation is world wide, and the 
representative practicing dentists of the present day could not 
enjoy the satisfaction of having absolutely reliable materials 
to work with if they were not able to procure gold filling ma- 
terial like the Decimal Extra Pliable Gold, manufactured by 
Edward Rowan. For five years he sent travelers throughout 
the United States, introducing his goods, on their merits, and 
with such marked success, that in 1890 he came to the Bronx, 
and built his present plant, whicli he owns outright, and em- 
ploys a large number of people, perfect in the manufacture of 
dental filling material, who have constant employment with him, 
owing to the steady demand for his dental gold, whose peculiarly 
excellent qualities make them very desirable. There is no dull 
season in his line of industry. Tlie machinery required to per- 
fect the manufacture of his dental materials is built upon the 
most modern improvements. From his large stock he is in a 
position to supply quickly the requirements of his already large 
business, which not only includes the United States and Europe, 
but also far off Australia, New Zealand, and Argentine Republic. 
All dentists know that success in the dental profession depends 
upon the use of the purest materials ; the purity of the "Rowan" 
productions and the skill employed and required in their pre- 
paration are attested to by the steady growth of his enterprise, 
and the confidence he enjoys from the leading dentists and deal- 
ers in dental supplies throughout the world. The variety of his 
manufacture embraces every form of metallic filling gold, from 
the Untrimmed Decimal Gold Foil, to that acme of filling gold, 
the "Extra Pliable Decimal Gold Rolls." For 33 years Mr. 
Rowan has been engaged in the study and manufacture of the 
chemical and physical properties of gold, so that he is in a 
position to produce the very finest goods. Mr. Rowan was 
married in 1878. He has four children: Alfred G. Rowan, the 
eldest, who is with his father at present, and will be his suc- 
cessor. The development of this important industry in the 
Bronx, which exports such large quantities of its own products 
to all parts of the world among the most eminent dealers in 
dental supplies, is a distinguished feature that but few of our 
present inhabitants have heretofore been made acquainted with. 
Mr. Rowan, as the manufacturer of the "Decimal" brands, 
stands highest in the order of merit on the market to-day. 

FRANK ARMINGTON SPENCER, the Chief Clerk of 
the Labor Bureau of the Civil Service Commission of Greater 
New York, was born in Boston. Mass., October 11, 1856. He 
received his primary education at the old Allen Street School, 
and took a post-graduate course at the old famous College of 
the City of New York, that has given to our country so many 
famous men who are to-day prominent not only in municipal, 
but state and national affairs. Mr. Spencer has been a bonafide 
resident of New York City for the past forty-two years, and a 
resident of the Bronx for the past eight years. During his 
residence in the Bronx, as a Democrat, he identified himself 



with the regular organization of his district and, owing to his 
activity and the prominence he attained through his personal 
ability and his able counsel to the organization, he was appointed 
in charge of the Labor Bureau of the Civil Service Commission 
of the city in January, 1896, which position he still maintains 
and is accredited tlirough the head of our municipal department 
as a most invaluable adjunct to the important duties and re- 
sponsibilities required of him by the department and the people. 
Mr. Spencer has been honored in other directions by the people. 
He served for seven years as trustee of our public schools, ac- 
credited to the Tenth Ward of this city, and during his term 
rendered invaluable service to the interests of our public schools. 
April 15, 1880, Mr. Spencer married Miss Evelyn L. Knight, 
the result of this happy union being three children, viz. : Ed- 
ward L., deceased ; Mary C, deceased ; and Frank A., at the pres- 
ent a member of the junior class at Harvard University. His 
family are members of the Methodist Church, and Mr. Spencer 
is prominently identified with a number of influential societies 
and organizations. He is a member of the Democratic Club, 
the famous Schnorer Club of the Bronx, the Wampanoag, Gavel 
Lodge, F. and A. M., Joy Chapter, R. A. M., Constantine Com- 
mandery, K. T., Mecca Temple and the Mystic Shrine. A faith- 
ful servant of the public, the gentleman enjoys the distinction 
of being one of the most popular members of the General Com- 
mittee of the Thirty-fourth Assembly District of the Bronx. 

CAPTAIN WILLIAM II. HODGINS comes of old Nor- 
man-French stock, his people settHng in the County of Tippe- 
rary, Ireland, in the early part of the eleventh century, coming 
from England with King William the Second, having lived a 
short time in the county of Kent, England. His people became 
thorough Irishmen and were held in much respect by all who 
knew them. The captain settled in the Bronx in 1890 and was 
one of the first park policemen placed in charge of the new city 
parks. In 1898, when the police force of the Greater City were 
amalgamated, he was sent to care for Pelham Bay Park, later 
placed in charge of Morrisania Police Court, and in 1903 pro- 
moted to captain of police and placed in charge of the Seventh 
Precinct, later in command of the Thirty-eighth Precinct, West- 
chester, and now is in charge of the Fifth Precinct, Oak Street, 
where he is commended by all for his good work in Cherry and 
Water Streets. He is first on the list for inspectors and we hope 
to see him promoted in the near future. He lives in a comfort- 
able home with his wife and five children, at 2043 Ryer Avenue, 
Tremont. 

FREDERICK COOK, well known to residents of the 
Tremont section, was born in New York City, June 12, 1870. 
After graduating from tlie public school he entered the employ- 
ment of the Mott Cider Company, where he remained for eight 
years. Being desirous to engage in business on his own account, 
he started in the liquor trade in 1903, and has continued the 
same up to the present time. Before launching out in that line 
he was thoroughly equipped, having had experience from 1896 
up to the opening of his own place. In politics Mr. Cook is a 
strong Democrat, and has made the acquaintance of many 
influential men affiliated with that party. He has taken a deep 
interest in all matters of public benefit, but has never aspired 
to any public office, devoting all his time to his business. He 
is identified with many of the prominent organizations in the 
Bronx, chiefly among them being the Elks, the Red Men and the 
Jefferson Club. On August 3. 1900, Mr. Cook married Mis.- 
Carrie Linestone, and four children have been born to them — 
Frederick, Jr., John, Edna and Addie. 





WILLIAM KIESLING 



CHARLES KIESLING 




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ALBERT H. LIEBENAU 



JEROME F. HEALY 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



365 



GEORGE GARDNER ROCKWOOD, photographer, was 
born in Troy, N. Y., April 12, 1832, son of Elihu Robbins and 
Martha (Gardner) Rockwood, and a descendant of Sir Richard 
Rockwood, who emigrated from England in 1637, and settled 
near Boston, Mass. The family has been prominently repre- 
sented in the French and Indian war, the American revolution, 
the war of 1812 and the civil war. The son received his early 
education at the Ballston Spa Institute. He then entered a 
printing office, and soon after became a reporter on the Troy 
"Daily Times." At the age of twenty he was managing editor 
of the Troy "Daily Post," which paper, under his charge, quad- 
rupled its circulation within a year. In 1885 his attention was 
directed to photography, to which he immediately devoted him- 
self with characteristic energy and enthusiasm. After three years 
spent in St. Louis, Mo., he settled in New York City, where he 
soon became known as an authority on the art to which his time 
and genius have been given. He was the first to make carte 
de visite pictures in this country, and among the important im- 
provements he introduced may be mentioned instantaneous phc- 
iography, photo-sculpture and photo-engraving. Mr. Rockwooi! 
has devoted much time to art in various directions, and attri- 
butes the excellence of his work to his application of artistic 
principles to mechanical laws. After gaining a thorough foun- 
dation and spending six years in the art centres of Europe, he 
yet finds the study of nature the best guide to successful por- 
traiture, and to this may be added, of human nature, for he owes 
much to his remarkable ability and personality in bringing out 
the best expression of his sitter. Mr. Rockwood gives his ideal 
of a photographer as "one who is most of a Chesterfield in his 
manner; a Bacon in his range of information; a Daniel Hunt- 
ington in his art; a small edition of Shakespeare in his knowl- 
edge of human nature, blended with the genial humor of Charles 
Dickens;" and he certainly realizes something of his ideal. He 
has lectured on photography and kindred arts before important 
institutes and societies throughout the country, and has contri- 
buted to the press numerous valuable articles on scientific and 
technical subjects. He is the author of a scientific hoax, "Brain 
Pictures," which appeared in the New York "Tribune" in 1887. 
and which has been translated into many languages ; "Child 
Hcauty" (1S90), and several small works on practical photog- 
raphy. He is a member of the Colonial, Quill and Columbia 
Yacht clubs, and of the Sons of the Revolution, a trustee of 
the Franklin Savings Bank, and since 1885 a member of the 
I'ruy Citizens' Corps. In 1S53 he was married to Aramint.i, 
daughter of Josiah Bouton, of French Huguenot ancestry, and 
has two children. 

CHARLES H. SPROESSIG, JR., the well-known propri- 
etor of the storage warehouse at 1098 East 170th Street, Borough 
of the Bronx, was born in New York City, October 3, 1876 (Cen- 
leimial year), and was educated in the public schools. Leavini: 
school after graduation, he took up the carpenter business and 
followed this vocation for eighteen rnonths. Inspired with the 
desire to travel, and learn something of his country, he engaged 
with Rose Noble, and made an extended tour all over the United 
States. In 1898 he returned to New York City and engaged 
in the beer bottling bu?iness, which he successfully conducted 
until 1900, selling out his plant, and then prepared the founda- 
tion of his large and remunerative storage warehouse, a very 
commodious and imposing structure, with five floors, each one 
having a dimension of 75x25 feet, with an L extension of 40x27 
feet. Mr. Sproessig employs a number of men to look after 
and attend to his large and lucrative business, which requires 
eight commodious and up-to-date vans that are constantly em- 
ployed in moving the household goods of citizens, both to city 



and country and for the storage of their household effects in his 
u.irchousc whenever required by them. He has been an active 
and successful business man since he attained his majority, is 
popularly known as one of the Bron.\'s enterprising citizens, and 
lends his valuable aid in the advancement of its great progress. 
He was married December 15, 1899, to Miss Kate BoUenbach, 
and has two children, Charles H., Jr., and Frederick. Mr 
Sproessig is not known in politics, devoting his whole time to 
iiis large business interests, and is a member of Morrisania Coun- 
cil. Royal Arcanum, the Bronx Club, Grove Hill Bowling Club 
and Empire Bowling Club. Mr. Sproessig resides at 1393 Bris- 
tow Street, and has been a resident of the Bronx for the past 
twenty-three years. 

WILLIAM ANTON WALDEYER was born on September 
I. i8jo, in the City of .Munster, Westphalia, Germany. He 
received a good education, attending college until the age of 
18. He was then apprenticed to the leading jew-eler of Munster, 
and after serving his time, wandered through Germany, as was 
customary, working at his trade in a number of cities, at one 
time with one of the court jewelers. In 1849 he decided to emi- 
grate to America, and after an eventful trip of eleven weeks, 
during which the dread cholera broke out, he finally arrived in 
New York. Here he followed his trade with success and soon 
had a shop of his own, employing a number of men. He mar- 
ried, in 1852, Elizabeth Biekenbrock, also of Munster, whose 
father was a well known brick manufacturer of that city. Though 
retired from active business for many years, yet to the very end 
the love for his trade kept him ever busy making designs and 
many a unique piece of jewelry. He was an expert judge of 
diamonds and other precious stones. Mr. Waldeyer lived at Mt. 
Hope, Tremont, for over eighteen years, and although he had 
never affiliated hiiuself with any society or political party during 
that time, he was well known and took a great interest in the 
wonderful development of the Bronx, which he knew in every 
section. Active in mind as well as in body, almost to the end, 
he was well able to realize the marvelous changes that had taken 
place in New York since the time he reached there in 1849. The 
Bronx was then a wilderness and it was his delight to relate 
stories of this section as he first knew it. A lover of outdoor 
life and with temperate habits, he retained his mental and physi- 
cal faculties to .'■ remarkable degree. His unusual kindly dispo- 
sition, combined with the highest ideals of honesty, both in 
thought and in action, placed him on a plane high above the 
average. Never was he known to refuse where help was needed. 
Aged as he was, the alertness and quickness with which he 
walked up Mt. Hope hill was a marvel to his neighbors. His 
was a simple life indeed, and his unfailing kindliness of man- 
ner, honesty and integrity made him many friends. Mr. Wal- 
deyer died July 20, 1905, .ifter a month's illness, surviving his 
beloved wife only by three years. 

CHRlSrOPHER FABEL, hardware merchant of Van Nest, 
is proprietor of the only large concern of the kind in that di- 
vision of the borough, a fact arguing on his part more or less 
of business enterprise, foresight and forehaiidedness. Mr. Fabel 
was born in Schwanheim on the Main, Germany, and was edu- 
cated in the elementary branches in the famous City of Frank- 
fort, in which place he spent his youth. He came here and 
established himself thirteen years ago. In 1890 he married. His 
wife was Miss Bertha P. Kart. They have three children, Julius 
Joseph and Rcrtha, all of course, still small. Mr. Fabel cares 
little for politics; business is his study. The only organization 
with which he is connected is the Bronx Mannerchor Singing 
Society, of which he is prcMdent and was one of the leading 
organizers. 





MICHAEL J. BERGEN 



JOHN HENRY BERGEN 





HERRMAN J. LEVY 



THOMAS WILLIAM TlMPSON 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



367 



THOMAS WILLIAM TIMPSON, son of Thomas W. 
Timpson, whose family owns a farm at Westchester purchased 
in 1752 — Thos. W. Timpson bought the property now occupied 
by Thos. W. Timpson, Jr., in 1848, and is still in the possession 
of the family — Thos. W. Timpson, Sr., one of the old trustees 
of the town of Morrisania, died in November, 1885. John Timp- 
son, father of Thomas, Sr., was one of the founders of Tam- 
many Hall, and alderman from first ward of this city; in 1804 
was lieutenant of old artillery in war of 1812. The corps of 
artillery was afterward made Seventh Regiment of New York 
City, his record being mentioned in General Clark's History of 
the Seventh Regiment. The subject of this sketch is cashier 
of the Nassau News Company, is a prominent real estate in- 
vestor in the Bron.x, his native place, where he was born on 
March 15, 1866, at No. 1251 Franklin Avenue. After graduating 
at the grammar schools of the Bronx, he entered and completed 
his classical course at the College of the City of New York, 
where he graduated with honors. In the National Guard of the 
State he manifested a deep interest, joining the Twenty-second 
Regiment in 1884 and through meritorious service was commis- 
sioned as second lieutenant, first lieutenant and captain in the 
Seventy-first Regiment, and captain and acting major in the 
Ninth New York Volunteer Infantry during the Spanish War, 
and is at present a lieutenant in the Old Guard of New York. 
In 1899, he was appointed and served honorably as a commis- 
sioner of the Board of Education for that ensuing year. A 
Democrat in politics, he is an active member of a large number 
of influential, social arid fraternal organizations, viz. : The 
Sons of the Revolution, Society of Foreign Wars, Spanish 
Veterans, Ninth Regiment Veterans, Seventy-first Regiment 
Veterans, Jefferson, Bronx and Schnorer Clubs, and an emi- 
nent and instructive member of several inasonic bodies, up to 
and including the thirty-second degree. Knight Templars and 
the famous Mystic Shriners. Mr. Timpson married April 13, 
1902, Miss Mary Broome, a Southern lady, and the accomplished 
daughter of the well known jurist of Florida, Judge J. D. 
Broome. Alexander Striker and Thomas William Timpson, 
two most promising sons, are the result of this happy union. 

ANTON RAGETTE, deceased, was born at Biala, Austria, 
January 23, 1851, and died in New York City after a brief ill- 
ness of heart disease December 21, 1902. Mr. Ragette came to 
.America at the age of twenty-three, having obtained a thorough 
education at a military college in Vienna, Austria. His mar- 
riage to Miss Elizabeth Breraiig, of Worms, Rliinehessen, oc- 
curred June 18, 1879. Mr. Ragette located in the Bronx in 
1884, where he engaged in a general steamship and banking 
business. In 1895 he engaged in the contracting and building 
business, as well as that of real estate, all of which he was 
very successful in. At the time of his death he was one of the 
most substantial citizens of the Bronx, all due to his good 
judgment and wise investments. Mr. Ragette was one of the 
most beloved men in this section of New York. He was ex- 
tremely popular with all classes, irrespective of race, religion 
or politics. It is said of him by those who knew him, that he 
never had an enemj, and his untimely death has caused a deep 
void in this community that will not soon be filled. Mr. Raget- 
te was an extensive traveler, having made a number of voyages 
across the ocean with his wife and family, and, at the time of 
his death, he had been planning an extensive tour of the world 
to occupy about two years time to complete. He was purely a 
self made man, and his success in life was entirely due to his 
high integrity and as a close observer of the Golden Rule. In 



liis family he was greatly beloved as the good husband and 
father, the hearthstone never being complete without his 
presence. He was liberal to a degree in all matters regarding 
religion or politics, and his hand was ever extended to render 
any worthy cause his support. He was essentially a home man 
more than the club man. He was, however, a member of the 
Royal Arcanum. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Ragette are 
Johannah, now Mrs. Henry E. Esthmer, Frank Joseph, Ru- 
dolph Richard, William Robert, Amelia Elizabeth, Henry 
Hans and Robert Raymond. Mrs. Ragette resides in an ele- 
gant mansion at 509 East 149th street. 

PETER GOETZ, retired, and one of the best known 
men in the Borough nf the Bronx, was born January 4, 1830, 
at Cassel, Germany, where he received a liberal education in the 
public schools. After leaving school he entered the army where 
he served seven years with the rank of lieutenant. Mr. Goetz 
located in the Bronx about eight years ago. For many years 
he was engaged in the tailoring business, which he conducted 
until 1885, at which time he retired. In politics he is a 
staunch Republican, having first voted for President Lincoln. 
He has never sought or held any public office, but has con- 
fined his time to the prosecution of his business affairs. He is 
a prominent member of the German Protestant Church, and 
has always taken a deep interest in the affairs of that congrega- 
tion, being ever ready to extend whatever financial aid the church re- 
quired. He is not a member of any clubs or other organiza- 
tions. In i860 Mr. Goetz married Miss Elizabeth Hausler, who 
died in 1885 ; one son, Frederick, was born to the union ; he is 
now located at Munich, Germany. In 1888. Mr. Goetz again 
married, his second wife having been Mrs. Caroline Trup, and 
whose death occurred in 1896. Mr. Goetz has always enjoyed 
the reputation of being a highly public spirited citizen, is 
generous and kind to a fault. He is a man of commanding and 
dignified appearance, with a strong military bearing. He is 
universally esteemed and respected by all who have the pleasure 
of his acquaintance, and his friends are legion. For his years 
he is one of the best preserved men in the Borough of the 
Bronx. 

JOHN THOMAS JORDAN, a popular Boniface of that 
famous summer and fishing resort, City Island, was born in 
Ireland, April 24th, 1857. In his early youth he came to the 
United States, settled in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, and was 
educated there in its public schools. Years ago Mr. Jordan 
was a unique character as a fruit dispenser on the old Harlem 
Bridge. The older residents of Harlem patronized him liberal- 
ly, and to such an extent that the basis of his present fortune 
was virtually formed. For thirty-seven years a resident of the 
Bronx, and for the past fourteen years one of the most 
popular residents of City Island, Mr. Jordan enjoys the con- 
fidence and patronage of all the older residents of Harlem 
and the new generation of their former ancestry, than any other 
of the many worthy places of entertainment on the old and 
popular resort. Occupying, as owner of the oldest road house 
on the line of City Island, his patronage has become famous 
throughout the Bronx Borough. A Catholic in faith, a Demo- 
crat in politics, and an active and influential member of the 
General Committee of Tammany Hall, of the Second Assembly 
District, prominent in the councils of the party. Mr. Jordan, 
being a self-made man, is worthy of the distinction he enjoys 
among his fellow citizens. 





MARTIN HOFFMAN 



PETER JEROME STUMTF 





WILLIAM SIMPSON 



GEO. W. CONNOR 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



369 



THOMAS DALZIEL DINWOODIE, one of the leading 
and prominent citizens of Westchester, Borough of the Bronx, 
was born December 2, 1852, at Kirkton Village, Kirkmahoe- 
Dumfrieshire, Scotland, and was educated at the Kirkton School 
of his native village. On March i, 1873, he left Glasgow, Scot- 
land, for the United States, arriving here March 15, on Saturday 
evening, but was detained in the river at Castle Garden until 
Monday the 17th of March, St. Patrick's Day, Mr. Dinwoodie 
came immediately to Westchester, where for the past thirty-two 
years he has been the village blacksmith and horseshoer. His 
patrons are legion throughout the surrounding country, which 
includes the very best and wealthiest families, besides the United 
States Government for whom he does all the work required ai 
Fort Schuyler and the Post Office Department horses used for 
special deliveries in the vicinity of Westchester Village. As a 
master mechanic he is one of the most skillful in his profession 
and one of the most successful in the Bronx Borough. In 
politics Mr. Dinwoodie is a RcpubHcan and has always taken an 
active part in all the campaigns of Westchester County for the 
past twenty-five years. His popularity and influence among 
the leaders and rank and file of his party, for his loyalty and 
active work in the organization, has been recognized on many 
occasions by his party, of which he is known and recognized as 
the absolute leader in Westchester Village. He is close to the 
people of his community and is highly respected at one of its 
first citizens. As a member of the Masonic fraternity he enjoys 
the confidence of his fellow craftsmen. On January 9, 1876, he 
married Miss Armie Amelia Johnson, daughter of James John- 
son and Ann Campbell, and has seven children, namely, William, 
Mary, Alice, Catherine, Thomas McKitrick, James Johnson, 
Annie Amelia and Janet. He is the son of William Din- 
woodie and Mary Dalziel, from whom he inherited all of the 
estimable qualifications that has made him so popular among 
his fellow citizens. 

ADOLPH TROELLER, director of the Troeller Mando- 
lin Circle, was born in Bronx Borough, July 14, 1866. He was 
a pupil of Public School No. 62, which he attended up to the 
time of graduation. After leaving school he joined the Idlewild 
Minstrel Troupe, in which he toured the country until 1882. He 
then decided to settle down and confine his attention to giving 
nuisical instruction on the banjo, and succeeded in obtaining 
many of the public men of to-day as pupils, later adding that 
of the mandolin and guitar. As an instructor in these lines, Mr. 
Troeller is an artist and has but few equals. So thorough is he. 
that in but a short space of time, his pupils make rapid progress 
under his tutorship. For many years he has devoted his entire 
time to his art. As an example of his methods, Mr. Troeller 
some time since had a blind girl applicant for instruction. She 
had been refused by several well known New York teachers. 
After a few lessons under Mr. Troeller he obtained unlooked for 
results. This pupil is now one of the well known public play- 
ers of a leading theatrical company, appearing in the various 
vaudeville theatres throughout the country. He has a class of 
forty pupils, who reside within a radius of fifty miles of New 
York City. Mr. Troeller has accommodation for about seventy 
pupils at one time. His reputation is a guarantee in itself as to 
results to be obtained through his method of instructing. His 
residence and office is located at 569 East lS3d street, Bronx. 
Mr. Troeller is a member of the Foresters, and at one time 
was a member of the Buckley-Blake Concert Company and the 
Troeller Mandolin Circle. In 1890 he organized the Liberty 
Banjo Club, and in 1903 was the director of the Imperial Mu- 
sical Circle. Both of these organizations are now disbanded. 



Since 1890, Mr. Tro«ller has been giving an annual concert and 
ball at various first-class places throughout the borough, at 
which all his pupils appear. The entertainments are well patron- 
ized, and the selection of the music receives his personal at- 
tention. On May 4, 1892, Mr. Troeller married Miss Lillian 
Schantz, of New York City. One child, Gilbert (now deceased), 
was born to the union. 

KIESLING BROTHERS, William and Charles, printers, 
of 623 East 148th Street, are examples of what ambition and en- 
terprise can accomplish, and their establishment is an excellent 
illustration of what a splendid field for business the Bronx af- 
fords. They are both young men, energetic and capable, and 
have reached the road to success practically unaided. Being born 
in Philadelphia— William, December 28, 1870, and Charles, June 
I". 1873, their schooling was acquired in the (lublic schools 
of the Quaker City, coming to the Bronx as boys twenty years 
ago. From 1886 to 1894 they were employed in the printing busi- 
ness, and during that time devoted their studies to the mastery 
of "the art preservative," as printing is called, at both the case 
and press. In 1894 a partnership was formed and a place of busi- 
ness was opened at 504 Willis Avenue; success attended thci! 
venture to such an extent that it was necessary to find new and 
larger quarters. The plant is now located in their own building, 
623 East 148th Street, which was especially constructed to meet 
the requirements of a thoroughly modern equipped printing 
office. Reputation is freely accorded this firm as one producing 
neat, attractive and correct work. They are members of the 
North Side Board of Trade and New York Master Printers' 
Association. Both are married, each having one child. Mr. 
William Kiesling married Miss Anna Nusbaum. November 26, 
1893, and Mr. Chas. Kiesling married Miss Anna Hank, Febru- 
ary 24, 1897. 

ALBERT H. LIEBENAU.— One of the popular and ag- 
gressive young business men of the Bronx is Albert H. Liebenau, 
whose activity in the business, social and political life of the 
borough has gathered around him a wide circle of friends. Al- 
though still a very young man Mr. Liebenau is a most success- 
ful business man, and his friends predict for him a brilliant 
political future. Mr. Liebenau is a product of our public schools, 
being a graduate of No. 61. He was born in this borough on 
Deceurbcr -'3, 1873, and has always lived there. Innncdialely 
after finishing his public school education he joined his father 
in the tallow business, the elder Liebenau being one of the 
pioneer men in this line and one of the most successful. When 
his father died the conduct of the business devolved upon the 
son. He has carried it on most successfully, and to-day is one 
of the leading men in that trade. He is honest and straight- 
forward in all his dealings, and as a result none of his cnini)e- 
titors make inroads on his trade. Ever since his majority Mr. 
Liebenau has been an active worker in the ranks of Democracy 
and has done yeoman service for the regular party organization 
in his district. His friends have often urged him for political 
honors, but his business interests made it impossible for him to 
accept. He is a member of the Schnorer Club, the Jefferson 
Club, treasurer of the Bronx Press Club, the Elks, Eagles and 
the Tallapoosa Club. He also takes a very active part in the 
affairs of the National Guard, being a very prominent member 
of the Seventh Regiment. In all matters pertaining to the pro- 
gress and development of the borough Mr. Liebenau takes an 
energetic interest, and in charitable circles his name is widely 
known for his quiet and unostentatious benefactions. 





WM. J. WAOER, JR. 



JAMES P. DUNN 





THOMAS DALZIEI, DINWOODIg 



ADOLPH TROELLER 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



371 



CHARLES WILLIAM VETTERMAN, Ihe General Man- 
ager of Brewer Sclililz's magnificent hotel and restanrant at 
West Farms, was born at Lennfeldt, Baden, Germany, October 
3, 1867. and was educated at Lennfeldt, the town or province of 
Baden, graduating with the honors of his class. He arrived in 
the United States on April II, 1882, and immediately commenced 
his career as a boniface, fighting his way single-handed, until 
1891, he opened a first-class hotel on Eighth Avenue and 54th 
Street, which he conducted with signal success. This property 
he disposed of advantageously, and opened another hotel in 
Harlem, on 125th Street, near Park Avenue, and remained there 
until igoo, when he assumed the entire management of Schlitz's 
Hotel and Restaurant at West Farms. During his exclusive 
management of this first-class establishment, Mr. Vetterman, 
through his striking personality, his courteous manners to his 
guests, and his practical knowledge of the business, has built 
up a very extensive patronage for the hotel, and has made the 
place exceedingly popular among the best class of citizens in the 
Bronx, for the excellent menu, its perfect culinary department, 
its neatness and cleanliness, and the notable courtesy extended 
to its patrons by its accomplished manager and his experienced 
employees. Mr. Vetterman was married May 25, 1892, to Miss 
Margnrette Hoerner, of New York City, and has three children, 
viz., Charles George, Jr., Arthur Herbert and Alma Eliza Vet- 
terman, all living. Himself and family are members of the 
Presbyterian Church, and he is a prominent and active member 
of the following clubs and societies: The Worrynot, Franz Schu- 
bert Singing Society, Wyoming Lodge, No. 492, F. and A. M.. 
and Standard Lodge, No. 19, A. O. U. W. 

JOHN B ARTELS, who conducted at 975 East 169th Street, 
the Crotona Casino, the Delmonico of the Bronx, had the repu- 
tation as the great caterer of this part of the city. He opened 
his place February I, igos, and being a man thoroughly versed 
in all the details of the business, at once made a success of it. 
It embraces, besides the cafe and restaurant, the latter serving 
meals at all hours, a palm garden, four bowling alleys, and a 
ball room 6,000 square feet in area. Its character is indicated 
in the fact that a number of fine church entertainments have 
been held in the hall by the principal congregations of the bor- 
ough. Mr. Bartels is a native of Bremen, Germany, about 35 
years old. He is a graduate of the University of the City of 
Hanover, and is a man of polish, culture and refinement. He 
has lived in the Bronx about twelve years, and is therefore no 
stranger to its people. He married here in New York in April, 
1893, Miss Charlotte M. Feise. of the City of Hanover. They 
have three children, two boys and a girl. Mr. Bartels is a Demo- 
crat in politics, though not at all a bitter one. He belongs to 
several singing and beneficial orders. 



employer. In 1899 Mr. O'Connell resolved to become a boniface, 
and consequently the lease from the city to open the present well- 
known and popular Golf Hotel at Van Cortlandt Park, and in 
this connection he also opened the Leonard Cafe, gi Leonard 
Street, Manhattan, which is considered one of the best in 
the vicinity. The Golf Hotel, which is memorable in the annals 
of the Bronx as a police station, was thoroughly remodeled and 
titled up in its present first-class appointments by this city, and 
the success of this establishment is entirely due to Mr. O'Connell. 
and. through his practical and most liberal management, it has 
become famous throughout the Bronx, the Greater New York 
and adjacent suburban cities and villages, as one of the most 
fashionable resorts throughout Manhattan or Westchester. 
Standing on an eminence in the midst, and overlooking the pic- 
turesque and lovely Van Cortlandt Park, and adjacent to the 
railroad, and then surrounded by a stretch of the finest golf 
links in this or any other State of the Union, it has become the 
favorite resort of the leading families and most enthusiastic golf 
players of Manhattan and Westchester. Mr. O'Connell manu- 
factures all kinds of golf goods, and keeps constantly a corps of 
teachers and instructors for the benefit of his patrons, who de- 
sire to enjoy the famous fashionable and healthful amusement. 
Mr. O'Connell was married on August 16, 1891, to Miss Johanna 
Moran (now deceased), the result of this union being two chil- 
dren, John James is dead; Ella May Francis O'Connell. In June, 
1900, Mr. O'Connell solemnized his second marriage to Miss 
Lucy Gaynor, an estimable lady, and active in the management 
and large business interests of Mr. O'Connell. He is a member 
of the Roman Catholic Church, Division No. 27, A. O. H. ; the 
Celtic and Clan-na-Gael, and a director in the North Side Brew- 
ing Company. He is also interested in and financially connected 
with the well-known Miller Pure Rye Distilling Company of 
Pennsylvania, and the Central Consumers' Wine and Liquor 
Company, as well as the Central Cigar Manufacturing Company. 
Mr. O'Connell has a striking personality, is quick, active and .sys- 
tematic in his large business affairs ; is popular with the host of 
patrons who visit his hotel and golf links daily, and is known 
and recognized as one of the leading golf players on the links. 
The father of this prominent gentleman was one of the foremost 
and eniterprising citizens of his native place in Ireland. His 
mother, who still survives her beloved husband, is a lady of 
stern, yet noble character, and gave to our country a patriotic 
son, Patrick O'Connell, who was a member of the 35th Volun- 
teer Infantry in the late Spanish-American War, and was at the 
famous battle of Luzon, and under general orders dated April 
20, 1901, issued by the commanding general of Governor's 
Island, received only on day of his funeral, was buried with all 
the pomp and honors of war, due to such a noble patriot. Three 
other brothers, Daniel, Morris, Frank, and two sisters, Mary 
Ann and Francis, including Mr. J. P. O'Connell, now living, con- 
stitute the family of Mr. O'Connell's worthy and patriotic parents. 



JOHN P. O'CONNELL.— The well-known proprietor of the 
Golf House at Van Cortlandt Park, was born in Ireland, Janu- 
ary 29, 1S61, and was there educated at the Christian Brothers' 
School. His father, Patrick O'Connell, was a well-known and 
prosperous carpenter and builder, and while attending school 
during his leisure hours from study, young O'Connell was learn- 
ing the carpenter trade from his father. Upon graduatinsr he de- 
voted himself assiduously to the latter work, and after serving a 
full apprenticeship, he received his credentials as a first-class 
mechanic. In 1887 he came to New York City, and owing to his 
natural ability and proper fitness for the position, he was em- 
ployed to take charge of construction work, and for several 
years filled this important post with thorough satisfaction to his 



JAMES J. BYRNES is a native, born and brought up here, 
as the saying is, through his business, and by reason of his 
political connections. Mr. Byrnes, to use a hackneyed phrase, 
is "well and widely known." He was born in Mott Haven, at 
139th Street and Third Avenue, January 19, 1864, and attended old 
Public School No. 60 under the able and popular Prof. Hyatt, 
a fact to old residents in itself a mark of distinction signifying 
thorough schooling. Mr. Byrnes represents George A. Kessler 
& Co.. leading wine merchants and importers in the Bronx and 
Westchester, and is one of their most successful salesmen and 
agents. He is a Tammany Democrat, a member of Bronx Lodge 
of Elks, No. S71, of the "Merry Five Association" and a worship- 
per at St. Jerome's R. C. Church, 





WILLIAM^S. GERMAIN 



PROF. GEORGE FRIEDGEN 





THOMAS A. LYNCH 



PATRICK J. TRACY 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



373 



PATRICK J. TRACY, Supervisor of Cily Record, was born 
in New York City October 3, 1866, where he was educated in the 
public schools, graduating from the grammar grade, and latei 
from the College of the City of New York. Being a printer by 
trade he is thoroughly qualified for the position he now holds, 
having been appointed thereto January 19, 1904. Mr. Tracy has 
been a resident of Bronx Borough for the past eight years, and is 
affiliated with the Jefferson Club, the Tammany Society and the 
General Committee of the latter organization. He is also a mem- 
ber of the Eagles, Elks, the Bronx Press Club, Typographical 
Union No. 6, and of other organizations, social, political and fra- 
ternal. He married September 2, 1896, Miss Margaret Fitzpatrick. 

WILLIAM HENRY SWIFT, undertaker and embalmer, ot 
606 East 145th Street, is a life-long resident of the Bronx. He 
was born in the borough over fifty years ago, and was a pupil in 
his youth cif the Mott Haven Public School. He married liere, 
also, in 1890. His wife was Miss Cornelia Fitzgerald before 
ihe married. They have one son, Irving by name. Mr. Swift is 
identified, thrni'pli h[^ business, with two churches, St. Paul's 



Bronx; of a kindly disposition; disliked by none; loved by many; 
true to a friend in adversity and wishing well to those in afflu- 
ence. He was a public spirited man; was generous to a fault, 
and was always foremost in extending encouragement to all 
causes whereby this borough was to be benefitted. Mr. York 
died February 9, 1905, after an illness of six months. During all 
this time he bore his sickness with much patience that was 
characteristic of him. His widow will continue to keep an inter- 
est in the business. The consistory of the Reformed Church of 
Mott Haven, New York City, record with deep sorrow the death 
of John A. York, for twelve years a deacon of this church, from 
which he was called to the church triumphant in February 9, 
1905. In special session the following resolution was unanimously 
passed : 

Whereas, It has pleased our Heavenly Father who in 
His providence doeth all things well, to remove from us one 
whom we loved as fellow officer, as faithful church member, and 
as a loyal citizen ; and 

Whereas, during the many years of his affiliation with the 
church he lived a bright, consistent Christian life; be it 




Reformed and the North New York Congregational Church. 
He has every facility for the proper conduct of his melancholy, 
but indispciisalile offices, and may be relied on, as a inan of long 
experience in the business, to perform his duties with due pro- 
priety — to execute them also, we may add, with a conscientious 
regard for the circumstances and pockets of the mourners. 

JOHN A. YORK, undertaker, was born in what is now the 
Borough of the Bronx, January 10, 1859. During boyhood he 
attended Public School No. 60. Mr. York was engaged in the 
undertaking business at 606 East 145th Street, being senior mem- 
ber of the firm of York & Swift, who stood at the head of their 
profession in the Borough of the Bronx. He was a member of 
the Mott Haven Reformed Church, Lily Lodge, F. and A. M.. 
Ivy Chapter, Harlem Lodge, I. O. O. F., and several other or- 
ganizations. He had been tenor soloist of the Mott Haven Re- 
formed Church for many years ; was solo tenor of the Zetheus 
Male Quartette, one of the finest male quartettes in New York. 
On September 12, 1884, he married Miss Ida M. Drayton. Four 
children have been born to this union, viz. : Lydia R., John A., 
both of whom are deceased, and Lucy D. and Laura M., now 
living. Mr. York was one of the most popular men in the 



Rc'olvcd. first, that we how 111 submission to the divine will 
of our Savior, who, being wise and loving, worketh all things in 
accordance with His purpose beyond our understanding. 

Resolved, secondly, that we cherish the memory and love 
of one of our most popular Christians, who was found regu- 
larly in his place as a devoted officer and as a member of the 
choir, and who, for months, submitted patiently to pain and 
suffering, leaving us a worthy example. 

Resolved, thirdly, that we tender to the family of which 
he was a member, our sincere Christian sympathy in this their 
hour of sore bereavement, commending his aged mother, his 
wife and his young daughters to the care, love and comfort of 
our blessed Father, who gives His peace as the world cannot 
give. 

Resolved, fourthly, that these resolutions be spread upon 
the records of the church and be sent to the family of our be- 
loved brother, to the local papers, and to the "Christian Intelli 
gencer," and that the church be appropriately draped in honor 
of his memory. JOHN FRANCIS DOBBS, 

J. HENRY HOLLOWAY, 
DAVID LAYTON, 

Committee. 





JOHN A. YORK 



JOHM BARTELS 





JOHN P. O CONNELL 



JAMES J BYRNES 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



375 



JOHN HARI'MAYER. one of ihe old and highly respected 
citizens of the Borough of the Bronx, who died March 20, igo.^, 
was born July 15, i.Sjj, ni Germany, and was educated there 
tie learned the trade of a weaver and dyer of woolen goods at 
his native home, and came to the United States, and finding no 
demand for his services as an experienced weaver and dyer, he 
took up the trade of carriage painting, and continued in this 
business until his death. He came to the Bronx in 1866, and 
started in the carriage painting business on his own account ; 
he built himself a lesidence at 2470 Third Avenue, where he 
lived for thirty years, and moved from there to 166 Lincoln 
Avenue, into a new building he erected in 1869. Mr. Hartmayer 
during his long and successful business career in the Bronx 
was a public spirited citizen, and commanded the respect and 
confidence of the whole community. He was a gentleman of the 
strictest sen.=e of honor and integrity, a useful and progress'vc 
citizen. He was a member of Rising Star Lodge, Knights 
and Ladies of Honor, and of tl;e .^rion Singing Society of North 
New York. His business, founded in 1866, is now conducted by 
his son, Edward Hartmayer, under the firm name of J. Hart 
mayer Son. Mr. Edward Hartmayer was born and raised in th.- 
Borough of the Bronx, was educated at the public .school, and, 
at the age of thirteen, he entered the employ of his father, who 
trained him thoroughly in the business, founded nearly half a 
century ago. On June 25, 1899, Mr. Edward Hartmayer married 
Miss Catherine .Seelinger, and has two children. May M. and 
Christina. His business is conducted on the same lines that 
his father carried out, but now located at 2541 Third Avenue, 
and being one of the oldest establishments of its kind in the 
Bronx, it is one of the most successful. Mr. Hartmayer is a 
prominent and active member of the Building Trades Employers' 
Association. 

WILLIAM RICHARD EHLER, born December 3, 1870, 
in Germany and educated at the public schools of the home of 
his nativity, came to the United States at the age of 17, in 1887, 
as a mere boy, unattended and alone, to seek his fortune in the 
"land of the free and the home of the brave." Inspired by the 
news c(Tining to his fatherland of those who gave glowing ac- 
counts of their great success in the "land of liberty," he came, 
he saw, and after several years of toil, like many others of his 
great countrymen, "he conquered." His first engagement was 
that as a porter; this he filled successfully until he was offered 
a position as waiter in a prominent restaurant and coffee house 
of this city. Month by month, and for a period of at least 
two years he successfully filltd this position and by his suavt 
and diplomatic manners and methods in the conduct of his 
position won from the patrons of the house and his employers the 
distinction of an honest, upright and loyal employee and one 
of its most intelligent attaches. On these lines, young Ehler 
conceived the idea of entering business on his own account. 
Having surrounded himself with a phalanx of friends who knew 
and appreciated his moral standing, he felt sure of his future 
success. He purchased and opened the premises in 1898 on the 
corner of 147th Street and Brook Avenue. From the very 
start, where others had failed, this first venture was an absolute 
success; so much so, that one year later he purchased the well 
known hotel on the northwest corner of 138th street and Third 
Avenue, wliich was the most popular resort in the Bronx, and 
has been so successfully managed by Mr. Ehler for the past six 
years that it is known and considered one of the best hostelries 
in the great Borough of the Bronx. Mr. Ehler's success has 
not been from the standpoint of waiting for something to turn 
up, but it has been from the close and sturdy application that 
he has given to his business affairs. Coming here to his country 



of adoption, a perfect stranger, in a strange land, dependent 
upon his own resources, without an aid of comfort or cheer, he 
has fought his battle and won. What a noble lesson this is to 
others who are placed upon the world without aid or assistance 
from others. How many young men under these conditions "go 
down," but those made up of the "Ehler" material "never fail." 

MARTIN HOFFMAN, prominent in the Independent Order 
of Odd Fellows in this city and throughout the State of New 
York, and the popular proprietor of Hoffman's Park at West- 
chester, Borough of the Bronx, was born March 11, 1853, at 
Tauberbischofsheim, Baden, Germany, and received his education 
there. He learned the trade of blacksmithing and at the age of 
18 he came to the United States and settled in Brooklyn, where 
he continued his trade until 1885, when he turned his attention 
to other business affairs and after several years of success as a 
merchant, he came to Westchester Village in 1898. Mr. Hoff- 
man is one of Westchester's leading citizens and is always active 
and prominent in the advancement and improvement of the vil- 
lage, and the borough. His park is one of the features of West- 
chester, where societies and organizations of the Bronx and Man- 
hattan go for recreation and amusement, where they have large 
and spacious grounds for picnics, with a large dining room in 
tlie building proper capable of seating upwards of 400 people, 
and also a magnificent ball room, all of which are thoroughly 
equipped with every convenience for the comfort and amuse- 
ment of the guests, and has made the place one of the most 
accessible and popular resorts at Westchester. As a member of 
the I. O. O. F. he has rendered distinguished service to the 
latter and has held various posts of honor and trust in the great 
society. As a member of Justicia Lodge, No. 370, he was ap- 
pointed a delegate to found the present Odd Fellows Home at 
Westchester, which is located in close proximity to his park. 
lie was a Past District Deputy Grand Master of District, Kings 
No. 4, Past Chief of the I. O. O. F. Encampment, Cadiz, No. 
63, and Mayor of the Patriarch Militant. He is also a mem- 
ber of the Masonic Order, being a Past Master of Van Monch 
Lodge No. 765, having served as Master of this lodge for the 
years 1895, i8g6 and 1897. He is a Democrat in politics, having 
served as Democratic leader of the Sixteenth Ward in Brooklyn 
for two years before coming to Westchester and is at present 
one of the active members of the Chippewa Club, the Demo- 
cratic General Committee organization of his assembly district. 
Mr. Hoffman is also an active director in the North Side Brew- 
ery. On October 11, 1874, he was married to Miss Teresa 
Volz, of Brooklyn, an estimable lady, who died October 12, 
1895, leaving two daughters, Louise M. and Lizzie M., both of 
whom are now married. On July 14, 1898, Mr. Hoffman was 
married to his second wife, Mrs. Lena Polepka. The gentleman 
is distinguished for his uniform courtesy, gentlemanly conduct, 
and his well known personal integrity to all with whom he may 
have professional or personal dealing. 

PETER JEROME STUMPF, former Alderman for the 
Fortieth District, was born in Jersey City, September 3, 1861, but 
has lived in Bronx Borough pretty much all his life. As a boy 
he grew up and went to school here. He is a strong Democrat 
and a man of family and property. He belongs to a number of 
organizations, among others the Jefferson, Schnorer and Talla- 
poosa Clubs and Modern Woodmen of the World. He married 
February 12, 1884, Miss Katherine Jeannette Tyrrell. They have 
one son, Peter J. Stumpf, Jr., aged 6 years. Mr. Stumpf is a baker 
by trade, but in the coal business at present. 





JAMES G. RILEY 



CHRISTIAN HENRY HARTMAN 






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JOHN HARTMAYER 



WILLIAM RICHARD EHLER 



HISTORY OFj BRONX BOROUGH 



377 



WILLIAM SIMPSON, well known to many New Yorkers 
through his downtown money lending business, is not so well 
known to the public in another capacity, namely, that of one of 
the most extensive breeders of fine horse stock in the country. 
Turfmen, road drivers and other lovers of the trotter, however, 
are well acquainted with his Empire City Stud. This important 
establishment, strange to say, is and has been for many years 
well within the limits of the metropolis, at Southern Boulevard 
and the East River, Hunt's Point, in the Bronx, where it has 
been conducted successfully by Mr. Simpson for forty years. The 
famous John R. Gentry, record 2.001/2. comes from this establish 
ment, and its auction sales have been the resort of horsemen for 
very many years. But first a word concerning Mr. Simpson 
personally. He was born m May, 1837, in this city, that is 
sixty-eight years ago, and has practically spent his entire life 
within the confines of New York. His father was Wm. Simp- 
son, a native of England, and his mother Ximenia Haines, of 
New York. He was admitted m New York schools and ac- 
quired the money lending business from his father, its founder. 
lie is a Republican in politics, and by religious faith Protestant 
episcopal. His first wife, Sarah J. McGraw, of Dryden, New 
York, died in 1876. His second, Teresa L. Allen, in 1904. He 




" Foxhurst," Residence of Wm. Simpion 

has two sons, William J., born in 1867. and F. B., who manages 
the stud for him, in 1S74. Both are married. William J. has 
two children, a son and daughter. The Simpson farm at Hunt's 
Point covers 120 acres. It was established originally for the 
breeding of trotting horses. Of late, however, considerable at- 
tention is given also to the breeding of Shetland ponies, a superior 
strain of which it possesses. On the place are commodious build- 
ings and a miniature covered track, 25 by 1,200 feet, for the train- 
ing of colts in winter, and here have been bred, as we have said, 
stock of the best trotting blood in the country. Such men as 
Tom Lawson, of Boston, have sent their mares here to be bred 
to the Simpson stallions. The place is, however, soon to be 
abandoned, and the stock transferred to a new up-state location. 
The city has grown up to the old farm, and it is shortly to be 
cut up into city lots. The new place is at New Hudson, Alleg- 
heny County, N. Y.. nine miles from Cuba on the Erie road, and 
six from Canada on the Western New York. It contains 1.000 
acres, a quarter mile training track and all the necessary equip- 
ment of stabling, etc. Over $50,000 has been expended here 
and many extra facilities provided, such as heat from natural 
gas. so as to bring out foals in March or April. There is ex- 
cellent stabling and a mile track at Cuba also, for the "gradu- 



ates." so called. As a bee-man likewise, Mr. Simpson has dis- 
tinction. He has long been engaged in the breeding of queen 
bees, and shipping them over the country. He is also an author 
of note on bees and kindred subjects. One fallacy he has fully 
exploded, namely, the tin-pan method of swarming them. 

GEORGE W. FENNELL. — Among the notable business 
concerns drawn to the Bronx by the prospect it unfolds in its 
phenomenal growth and development, not least in importance 
is that of George Fennill & Co.. which, on May i last (1905) 
opened up in a style befitting the reputation it has established 
in the furniture and house furnishing business, a place at Third 
Avenue and l4Qth Street — to he exact, Nos. 2860 and 2862 Third 
Avenue. !"bis is a location unsurpassed in he borough, one 
considered by many the heart of the North Side in a business 
way and destined lovg to remain so. Nearly three months were 
required to refit and remodel this "up to the standard" of the 
I'^ennell Coinpany. It is a five-story fire-proof brick building, with 
expansive show rooms, in which is displayed the largest, most 
complete and most varied stock of the kind in the borough. Thi.'"., 
with the courteous and liberal treatment accorded customers, 
has brought the house a patronage beyond even the highest 
expectations of the company and made its venture already an 
assured and unqualified success. George Fennell & Co. have two 
other establishments, one at 107 Avenue A, Manhattan, and the 
1 iher in Mount N'ernon. Mr. Fennell resides in Manhattan. 

GEO. W. O'CONNOR (deceased).— Few men were better 
known or better liked in the Bedford Park district, where be 
lived and exercised the Democratic leadership for many years. 
than the subject of this sketch. He was born in Winchester, V';i , 
and was raised in the Old Dominion, in which State also he re- 
ceived his schooling. From Virginia he went as a young man 1c 
Rockland County, New York, and from there, in 1885, to Wil- 
liamslindge. There he went into the hotel and saloon business, 
and continued in that until his death, March 5, 1905. He was 
barely fifty when he died. He had been Tammany leader for ten 
years, and was also connected with the Park Department. He 
liclonged to the Jefferson Club, and was the leading spirit in the 
Pedford Park Club and in his own organization, the Geo. W. 
O'Connor Association. He was also a mfember of the Royal 
."Tcanum and Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Benevolent 
L"gion and other associations, social and fraternal. He was 
a live man, what is known as a good "mixer," whole-souled and 
c'laritable, and sincerely mourned by a host of friends. He mar- 
ried, February 13, 1885, Miss Jane Byrnes, of Piermont, Rock- 
bnd County. Three daughters, Mary, Nora and Georgiana, sur- 
vive him. 

WM. J. WAGER, JR.. is Superintendent of the Department 
of Parks, Bronx Borough. To him largely tlie splendid condition 
and attractiveness of these play grounds of the public are due. 
He is a strong and uncompromising Democrat — "firm in the 
faith" — is chairman of the Tammany Hall General Committee, 
Thirty-fourth District; was one of the organizers of the Eugene 
J. McGuire Association, member of the Eagles, president Wampa- 
noag Club. Mr. Wager is a Brooklynite by birth; he was born 
there April 16, 1864. In his youth he attended Grammar School 
No. 20, graduating from it in 1878. He then went into business 
with his father (who is still living but retired") in the painting 
and flag pole line at 42 West Hou.ston Street. In this business 
he remained until appointed under Commissioner Schmitt in 1904, 
to his present place. He has lived in the Bronx now some nine 
years. He married April 27, 1884, Miss Mary Fuest, of New 
York City, and is the father of five children living ; by name 
Edward, Mary, Irene, George D., and Eugene J. 





CHARLES H. SPROESSIG. JR. 



GEORGE W. FENNELL 





JOHN L. BURGOYNE 



CHARLES A. D. MEYERHOFF 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



379 



HON. WILLIAM WARNER PENFIELD, of Wakefield, 
was born July 5, 1858, in New Rochelle, New York. Through 
both of his parents, George J. and Louisa A. Penfield, he coniies 
from the best old Westchester County stock. On his father's 
.side he is a descendant of the De Milt and Warner families, and 
on his mother's of the Pells and Disbrows. He was educated 
in the local public schools and graduating in 1869, took a one 
year's course of study at Betts' Academy at Stamford, Conn., 
and later on a four-year course in D. S. Everson's Preparatory 
School, which qualified him for admittance to Yale College, 
from which he graduated in 1879. receiving his B. A. degree. 




HON. WILLIAM WARNER FENFIELD 

in 18S3 he engaged in the insurance business and later accepted 
a position in the LUiited States Custom House. During this time 
he studied law and in 1889, received his degree from the New 
York University Law School. He immediately began an en- 
ergetic and successful law practice, identifying himself at the 
same time with the civic and political interests of the village 
of South Mount Vernon (afterward called Wakefield), of which 
he was one of the incorporators. In his associations with this 
village he filled many prominent positions, and was instrumental 
in securing many needed reforms and improvements. Known 
as the outspoken foe of corporations, his three terms as presi- 
dent of the village were marked by conspicuous victories for 
the village, and recorded signal concessions from such corpora- 
tions as the Westchester Water Company, the Electric Light 
Company and the New York & New Haven Railroad, which 
last corporation he forced, through successful litigation, to build 
bridges across the tracks at both Becker and Demilt Avenues. 
On retiring from the office of president, he was appointed cor- 
poration counsel to the village, which office he held until the 
annexation of Wakefield to the City of New York. With 
characteristic zeal and determination, he never spared himself 
in his public work and was successful in every case which he 
managed in behalf of the village. He was also active in fire 
department matters in Wakefield before anne.xation, and was 



one of the organizers of the Wakelield Fire Department and at 
one time its chief — the department consisting of five companies. 
Judge Penfield fought the annexation act, believing that more 
local improvements should be first secured. In 1897 he was elect- 
ed justice of the Municipal Court for the First District of the 
Bronx, having the endorsement of both the Citizens' Union and 
Llemocratic party in his candidacy. He has always been an 
earnest and active supporter of the Democratic Party in politics 
and unswerving in his devotion and loyalty to its time honored 
traditions. He is a Mason, being a metnber of Hebron Lodge, 
Jerusalem Chapter and Coeur de Lion Commandery. He is 
also a member of the New England Society, Delta Kappa Epsilon 
and Phi Delta Phi fraternities, the Westchester and New York 
State Firemen's Association, Bronx Bar Association and the 
North Side Board of Trade, besides various local and benefit 
orders. Judge Penfield is a member of the Presbyterian Church 
and one of its officers. He was married on December 15, 1897, 
to Miss E. Jean Nelson, of Greencastle, Ind. Two children were 
the result of this union, but both died in infancy. Judge Pen- 
field resides at the old family homestead, which was erected 
more than a century ago, and which is pleasantly situated on the 
old White Plains Road at its junction with what was formerly 
known as Demilt Avenue, but which is now officially known as 
242d Street. 

JOHN F. FREES, of 608 East 156th Street, is one of the 
rising lawyers of Bronx Borough. He is a native of the Bronx, 
having been born November 10, 187.3, at 612 East is6th Street, 
and has resided here all the time. He received his early edu- 
cation at Public School 62, and graduated in 1889, when he en- 
tered the Col- 
lege of the City 
of New York, 
where he took a 
three-year 
course, after 
wliich he look 
a course in the 
New York Law 
School. He has 
proved his in- 
terest in the 
welfare of his 
native borough 
by taking an 
active part in 
e \' e r y t h i n g 
that would 
tend to its up- 
building. Mr. 
Frees is a man 
of family hav- 
ing married on 
April 30, I90-'. 
Miss Edith Sei- 
fert, of City 

Island. The result of this union was two daughters, Edith and 
Dorothy, both living. Mr. Frees, notwithstanding his extensive 
legal practice, finds time to participate in the meetings of the va- 
rious clubs and societies of which he is a member, among which 
may be noted the Schnorer Club, Bronx Lodge, of B. P. O 
Elks, Madonna Council of Knights of Columbus, Tallapoosa 
Club, Jefferson Club, K. O. S. Bowling Club, Harlem Inde- 
pendent Schutzen Club, Melrose Gun Club, Suburban Council 
of Royal Arcanum, General Committee of Tammany Hall, Twen- 
ty-third Ward Property Owners' Association, and the City Is- 
land Board of Trade. He also was a member of the Local School 
Board in the Borough of the Bronx. 




JOHN F. FREES 



380 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOrOUGH 



MICHAEL J. BERGEN, father of John H. Bergen, chief 
bookkeeper of the Department of Parks, Borough of the Bronx, 
was the first trustee of the old Village of Morrisania, and for 
years was its chief of the Fire Department. He was born at 
Roscrea, County of Tipperary, Ireland, and came to the United 
States alone at the age of i8. He was full of ambition, had 
decided push and extraordinary ability for a young man of his 
age; he was never idle, but engaged in various business enter- 
prises, in which he was successful. He erected a two-story 
brick building, 28.\36, at Third Avenue, when Willis Avenue 
and 148th Street was opened ; this building and land on which 
it was located was purchased by the City of New York ; he be- 
came a very public spirited citizen and was highly esteemed by 
the community as one of its most enterprising business men, 
and at an election for Town Clerk of Morrisania, in which he 
was a candidate, Mr. Bergen was elected by an overwhelming 
majority, he receiving 1,300 votes, and twenty-nine cast against 
him ; he held this office for ten years, part of the service was 
during the Civil War, and as he handled all the monies of the 
township, which was very large, at no time was there one cent 
but what was accounted for. Previous to his election to the 
latter office he had been appointed and was fulfilling the duties 
of Commissioner of Survey and Grading. He was a member 
of Hook and Ladder Fire Company of Morrisania and finally 
became a member of Jackson Four Engine Company, at the 
request of all the members of the company, and after a few 
months service, he was unanimously elected foreman, occupying 
this position for five years, when he resigned, as he was elected 
Chief Engineer of the Morrisania Fire Department, and re- 
mained in this responsible position until his death, which oc- 
curred on June 9, 1869. In politics Mr. Bergen was a sterling 
Democrat and a thorough organization man. He was well edu- 
cated, being an inveterate reader, and was very liberal minded 
in all matters pertaining to religious or social affairs. For his 
numerous distinguished services in the Bron.x, Bergen Avenue 
was named after him. In 1862 Mr. Bergen married Miss Brid- 
get McGrath and had two children, John H., and Mary Francis. 
His death was mourned by the entire community, to whom he 
was so well known and highly respected for his ability, hi? 
philantrophy and the eminent services he rendered to them 
in the discharge of liis duties as a pulilic officer and faitliful 
servant of the people. 

JOHN HENRY BERGEN, chief bookkeeper of the Park 
Department, Borough of the Bronx, was born at Mott Haven, 
town of Morrisania, Westchester County, February 17, 1864. 
He attended St. Jerome's and St. Mary's parochial schools, and 
the public school and was an undergraduate of the latter. At 
the age of 15 years he was employed by Lord & Taylor as cash 
boy in their dry goods store, Broadway and Twentieth Street. 
After a short period of service he was employed by Benziger 
Brothers, the Catholic book publishers, with whom he remained 
for five years, with the New Haven Railroad Company he 
served one year as office clerk, but resigned to accept an ap- 
pointment as clerk of the Library Committee of the House of 
Representatives, at Washington, D. C. He later was appointed 
Clerk of the Board of Aldermen of New York City, and was 
later appointed clerk in the Building Department of New Y'ork 
City, where he served in a clerical capacity until 1898, when 
he was made chief bookkeeper for the Park Department, Bor- 
ough of the Bron.x, where he still holds this responsible posi- 
tion, having served under the past four administrations. In 
politics Mr. Bergen is and always remained a staunch and 



ardent Democrat, strictly a party and organization man, and 
one of its most loyal and active members. He is a member of 
St. Jerome's Catholic Church and the Brownson Catholic Club, 
of which latter he was president for two terms, 1900 and 1901, 
secretary for two terms, 1898 and 1899, and chairman of the 
building committee, during the erection of the present structure, 
now occupied by the club, and has also been chairman of the 
committee on entertainment for several years ; he is a charter 
member of the Royal Arcanum Suburban Council ; also a 
charter member of Bronx Council, Knights of Columbus, having 
served as its first financial secretary, and was Deputy Grand 
Knight for two terms. He is a member of the Xavier Alumni 
Sodality and Friends of Erin. He is also a member of the 
Wampanoag Club, the official Democratic organization of the 
Thirty-fourth Assembly District, and was secretary of the 
Tammany Hall General Committee of his district for a long 
term. A native of the Bronx, Mr. Bergen was married on 
June II, 1895, to Miss Agnes M. Kearns, a highly cultivated 
lady and a native also of the Bronx. He has two children, 
John Justin, aged nine years, and Helen Marguerite, aged five. 
Mr. Bergen is quite an athlete and is fond of driving, bowling, 
fishing, skating and all outdoor healthful exercise. He has a 
beautiful home of his own at No. 688 East 146th Street, where 
he has resided for the past twenty-five years, and where his 
domestic life has been one of unalloyed happiness. Here, in his 
comfortable library, he enjoys himself in reading principally 
history, which is his favorite study, in the meantime not for- 
getting Catholic works from eminent authors, for he is a very 
strict Catholic, and never fails to live up to the doctrines and 
teachings of his church. In all public matters affecting the in- 
terest of the borough, Mr. Bergen has taken a leading part. 
He has served on several important committees, and has an 
abiding faith in its future. 

CLASON POINT INN.— The prominence this resort has 
obtained as one of the show places of the Bronx is justly to be 
credited to the pluck and perseverance of Clinton Stevens, who, 
by his foresight, has brought it in the front rank of the great 
Metropolis' breathing places. His keen perception of the oppor- 
tunity for developing this ideal spot on Long Island Sound's 
shore soon took practical shape, and nowhere between Harlem 
and Byram Rivers is its equal as a summer resort to be found. 
This result was obtained only after a lavish expenditure of 
money, but that this was well devised is apparent by the myriad 
attractions that greet the pleasure seeker within the domain 
where he holds sway. The magnitude of bis enterprise may 
best be described by noting that the Casino has accommodations 
for 5,000 people, while the bathing pavilions, lining a splendid 
beach, free from sewage contamination, has provision for about 
4.000 bathers. The Inn itself can furnish meals for 500 people 
at one sitting. Everything that would tend to make a pleasant 
visit to this seaside resort has been added to the attractions, includ- 
ing a $26,000 merry-go-round, new buildings and other improve- 
ments entailing an expenditure of $34,000. Mr. Stevens acquired 
this property, consisting of twenty-five acres, some thirty years ago, 
and while he himself devotes the most of his time to superin- 
tending the nmning of boats from Harlem River to the Point, 
as well as five automobiles from the trolley cars to the Inn, 
which is under the immediate supervision of Joseph Cowen, his 
son-in-law, he always has his eye open toward rendering this 
ideal resort even still more attractive to the man of affairs 
who seeks relaxation from the cares of a strenuous business life 
which is now in the order of things to-day. 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



381 



CHARLES A. D. MEYERHOFF.— Born in old New York 
City on August 5, 1833, in what was those days considered the 
upper section, viz., No. 125 Stanton Street, he was, Hke his 
brothers, initiated by his father in the mystery of compounding 
the ingredients which entered into supplying the staff of life — 
for his father had for thirty-eight years conducted the largest 
bakery in the city at the time. However, like his brothers, his 
mind followed in the same trend, and he apprenticed himself for 
seven years to the American Tract Society at the corner of 
Nassau and Spruce Streets, to become acquainted with "the art 
preservative of all arts." During the latter years of his appren- 
ticeship he received that instruction in Hebrew, Syriac and 
Chaldaic, which gave him the courage to undertake the setting 
of the type for the translation of the Bible into the Chinook for 
the Indians of Oregon, Which was being published by the 
Smithsonian Institute, at Washington, D. C. When this task 
was completed he drifted into journalism under Col. Anson P. 
Herrick of the "New York Atlas, ' and later with the late Thomas 
Towndrow, of the "New York Tribune," formed the idea of 
gathering the suburban news of New York City, which later 
developed into a special feature. The means of communication 
in those days were not so plentiful as in later years, and neces- 
sitated much trudging from one portion of the field to the 
other by these veteran quill drivers in order to have something 
to show for their time and labor. Naturally, he started in the 
publishing business himself, and the aggressiveness of his ven- 
ture, the "Westchester County Democrat," attracted the attention 
of the then ruling powers of New York City, and he came in 
for political preferment unsolicited. His first movement in the 
political line was to urge the extension of the city limits north 
of the Harlem River to the Putnam County border, owing to 
the need he foresaw of the upper section of Westchester County 
for the rapidly growing city's water supply. But this scheme 
conflicted with the plans of William M. Tweed who was inter- 
ested in some large tracts of land in the lower portion of 
Yonkers w-hich he wished to keep sub rosa. Always foremost 
in projecting improvements he urged the construction of boule- 
\ards and macadamized roads, which brought down on his head 
the anathemas of the old timers who were content with the 
conditions that prevailed in their forefathers' days, and he was 
accused of ulterior motives in urging the improvement. To-day 
he is still ranked among the progressive men who are to be 
found advocating the development of the Bronx, which he still 
considers in its infancy. His early training as a newspaper man 
developed his then rather weak constitution, and to it he 
attributes his sprightliness of temperament. He is the proud 
father of a large family, the male members following his 
political proclivities and being found with the Democratic cohorts. 
At the lime of this writing he holds an important position on 
the staff of the "North Side News," and enters into its progress- 
iveness with whole-heartedness. His thorough intimacy with 
the early history of the territory of which he has been a resident 
for so many decades has proved of much advantage in the com- 
pilation of this history. Incidentally, it might be said that he I; 
one of the very few surviving members of the editorial fraternity 
when old Westchester County was one of the Democratic strong- 
holds of the Empire State. He married Miss Cecelia A. Davis, 
of New York City, and quite a numerous progeny has resulted 
from the union, of whom the living ones are Charles A. D., Jr., 
Henry M.. Francis 0., Robert V., Clarence E., Cecilia A., and 
Josephine Marguerite. Mr. Meyerhoff is descended from a long- 
lived family, and hopes to see the fruition of his hopes in the 
annexation of all of Westchester County to the Greater New 
York, realizing that in the history of the old city the natural 
tendency for its growth has been to the northward, and the large 



and varied interests of the city in the matter of its water supply 
and protection of the watershed demanding that the city should 
assume absolute control thereof. Naturally he is a member of 
many improvement associations, and has been for some time the 
Secretary of the Improvement League of the Forty-fourth 
.'Mdermanic District. 

PROF. GEORGE FRIEDGEN.— Mr. Friedgen is a repre- 
sentative of the musical element in the Bronx, one of its most dis- 
tinguished representatives indeed, and as such with a reputation 
extending far beyond its bounds. He organized the Conservatory 
of Music at 1 188 Franklin Avenue in the Bronx, in 1890. He 
was organist for ten years of the German Reformed Church, El- 
ton Avenue and is6th Street. He has had engagements with Gil- 
more, Cappa, Schmelz, and other leading bands of the country, 
and organized the band known by his name. He has been the sue 
cessful director of a number of musical organizations, among 
them the Harmonic Singing Society, Morrisania Mannerchor, Ar- 
beiter Liedertafel, Woodstock Liederkranz, New Rochelle Maen 
nerchor, Williamsbridge Liederkranz, the Quartette Club of Mt. 
Vernon, the Arion of White Plains, the Bronx Quartette Club, 
and many more. He has also conducted many operatic perform- 
ances, such as "A Night in Granada," the "Czar and the Car- 
penter," "Faust." "Galatliea," the ""Doctor of Alcantara," etc., in 
short is an accomplished, high-class, all-around artist in music. 
Prof. Friedgen was born in Bebra, Germany, April 11, 1866, but 
came to this country a boy of five. As a youth he attended here 
old public school No. 61. In 1876, at ten years of age, he went 
back to the old country, and there studied at the College of Music, 
Weimar, under Professor Muller-Hartung, Dr. Lassen and Bern- 
hard Sulze. He graduated from that institution, and at 19, in 
May, 1885, came back here, and from that time, as we have seen 
in the account already given of his affiliations and connections, has 
been busily engaged hereabouts in the pursuit of his chosen vo- 
cation. Politically he is a Democrat. He is a member of the 
Tammany Hall General Committee of the Thirty-fifth Assembly 
District, belongs to the Schnorer Club, the Bron.x Club, and to 
Morrisania Lodge, No. 89, A. O. U. W. He married May 23, 
1889, Marguerite Valois. They have six children, .Arthur, John, 
and Harry, Emma, Wilma and Anita. On October 22, 1905, he 
celebrated at Zeltner's Casino, the twentieth anniversary of his 
establishment in the borough as musical director, with a concert 
piogramme, embracing a grand orchestra, extensive chorus and 
eminent soloists. It was attended by the elite of this part of the 
city, and was a pronounced success. 

THOMAS A. LYNCH, undertaker and embalmer of the 
Bronx, was born June 26, 1856, in New Hampshire. He assisted 
his father on the family farm until his majority and then was 
apprenticed to the carpenter trade, in which he became very 
proficient, having carried out some very important contracts in 
building. The business of undertaking and embalming attracted 
his attention, and after close application to all its details for a 
few years, he finally embarked in the business and is to-day one 
of the prominent factors in the business at the present time. Mr. 
Lynch is a Democrat in politics and at one time was appointed 
inspector of the Board of Health of the Bronx, which he hon- 
orably served for two terms. He is a member of the Catholic 
Church, the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Mutual Benefit 
Association, president of St. Roch's Lyceum Young Men's Club, 
secretary of the Foxy Bowling Club and a member of the Tam- 
many Hall General Commiltec. On September 21. 1884. he mar- 
ried Miss Katy Mclntyre, of New York City, the result of this 
pleasant union being si.x children, three of whom arc living, viz.: 
Dennis, Raymond and Leonore, and Rose, Adele, Harold and 
Thomas, deceased. 



382 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



WILLIAM S. GERMAIN, a self made man, was born in 
Harlem, New York City, September 13, 1868. He attended public 
school No. 57 for several years, but did not continue long enough 
to graduate. When he was four years of age. his father died, 
and family circumstances compelled him to seek employment at 
an early age. Being in possession of high ambitions to succeed 
in life, he availed himself of every opportunity that presented it- 
self to further his education, which was accomplished by keen 
observation and the study of men and things. In his early youth 
he served as a chore boy in both a butcher shop and a tailor 
establishment, afterward practiced telegraphy, and at the age 
of eighteen was employed as a telegraph operator by the West- 
ern Union Telegraph Company at its main office, New York City. 
For the past ten years he has held a responsible position in the 
telegraph service on the floor of the New York Consolidated 
Exchange. During the latter period he has also engaged in the 
real estate and building business in the William.sbridge section 
of the Bronx, where he has resided since 1890. In politics Mr. 
Germain has, since reaching his majority, been an active member 
of the Republican party. During the village days of Williams- 
bridge, he was identified locally with the improvement faction of 
that section. He has been a member of the Republican County 
Committee since 1899, and, for two years served his party well as 
leader, or executive member of New York Republican County 
Committee, representing the Annexed District. He was a strong 
factionist in five difl'erent primary fights in his district, but suc- 
ceeded to the leadership without a contest. He has never held 
any public office except to receive the appointment on two oc- 
casions as a Street Opening Commissioner, in the proceedings 
of Morris Street, Williamsbridge, and Neried Avenue, in Wake- 
field, respectively. Beyond this, Mr. Germain has never had any 
desire, nor has he sought any public office, preferring to lead a 
commercial life than a political one. He is a member of the 
■\nnexed District Republican Club, the Williamsbridge branch 
of the Y. M. C. A., and the Williamsbridge Improvement League, 
being one of the organizers of the latter. He is also a charter 
member of Guiding Star Council, Knights of Columbus ; a 
charter member of Williamsbridge Council, Ancient Order of 
Workmen, and a member of the Telegraphers' Aid Society of 
New York City. He attends St. Mary's Parish of the Roman 
Catholic Church, Williamsbridger On Novejnber 25, 1903, Mr. 
Germain was joined in wedlock to Miss Ida Schneider of Will- 
iamsbridge. His mother, Margaret Germain, is the only surviv- 
ing member of his family. 

T. GERALD STEARNS may truly be called a product 
of the Bronx. He was born in the borough September i, 1877, 
was brought up and went to school in the district, and has 
passed the greater part of his life hereabouts. His business ex- 
perience began early, at 12 years of age in fact, when he started 
in the superintendent's office of the Western Union Telegraph 
Company, there remaining four years. Then for three years he 
was with his father in the hotel business at Lake Pleasant in 
the Adirondacks; then for a year or so with Ondcrdonk & 
McDonald on the Jerome Park Reservoir construction. Now 
came on the Spanish War and Mr. Stearns, just then of age, 
fired with patriotic ardor, enlisted in the Seventy-first New 
York Volunteers. That was in the spring of '98. In April of 
that year, he went into camp at Hempstead, L. I., and on May 
14 left for Lakeland, Fla., going thence with his command to 
Tampa. From Tampa the regiment embarked on the transport 
"Vigilancia," for Siboney, arriving there June 23, and after vari- 
ous movements reached Santiago, "where the battle was 



fought," in whicli engagement he took active part. Never to 
be forgotten by the soldier boys was the welcome this regi- 
ment received on its return from that brief, but decisive con- 
test, in addition to which there was a pleasant personal sur- 
prise awaiting our subject, who found on reaching the Bronx, 
the children of his neighborhood gathered in numbers with a 
gaily decorated equipage to bear him in triumph home. After 
this war-time episode in his career, Mr. Stearns took up civil 
life again, the excise bonding business, as a representative of 
the National Surety Company. Thence he went to the Fidelity 
& Casualty Company, and from that company to his present 
position in which he has charge of all matters pertaining to 
excise for the John Eichler, J. & M. Haffen, Ebling, North Side, 
David Mayer and Zeltner Brewing Companies, a highly respon- 
sible post. Aside from this he carries on an extensive bonding 
and general surety business, with no limit to territory. Mr. 
Stearns is a Democrat in politics and a member of the Jeffer- 
son Club. He belongs also to the Bronx Club, the Elks, the 
Odd Fellows, Roosevelt Command No. 10, Spanish War Vet- 
erans, the McKinley Square Bowling Club, the Suburban Base Ball 
Club (of which he is also part owner), and the Dachshunde Club 
of America, American Kennel Club. Incidental to his business, he 
holds an appointment as notary public. He married, June 12, 
IQOI, Miss Jessie Harper. They have one child, a boy, T. 
Gerald. Jr., three years old. 

HARRY R. HASKIN, one of the proprietors of the St. 
James Stables, situated opposite St. James Park on Jerome Ave., 
is a son of Benj. F. Haskin and Eliza J. Bowley, of Fordham. and 
nephew nf John B. Haskin ("Old Tuscarora"). He was born 
in Fordham thirty-five years ago, and in his youth attended Gram- 
mar School No. 64 there. He has had a varied experience. For 
ten years, until lately, he travelled with theatrical companies — 
among them the Mrs. Fiske and Ben Hur companies — as stage 
manager and assistant stage manager, covering all this country 
and Canada. During the Spanish-American War he served with 
Light Battery M, 7th Artillery, U. S. A., in Cuba and Porto 
Rico, as a non-commissioned oflScer, and was honorably dis- 
charged at the close of his service. He is Veterinary Sergeant 
now of the Second Battery, N. G. N. Y. At the stables, Jerome 
Avenue, near I92d Street, Mr. Haskin conducts a prosperous 
general livery, sale and exchange business, and does also an ex- 
tensive general trucking business. 

HERRMAN J. LEVY, chief inspector of the Tenement 
House Department of Greater New York, was for six months 
acting superintendent of the same department in the Borough 
of the Bronx, was born in New York City October i, 1877, and 
was graduated from the public schools of Manhattan. Leaving 
school he entered the real estate business, which he conducted 
successfully until 1904, when he transferred same to his brother, 
now Levy Bros., with offices at 116 West 135th Street, when he was 
appointed to the Tenement House Commission. His duties in the 
department required not only diplomacy and strong executive 
ability, but untiring industry, for which Mr. Levy was especially 
selected and is thoroughly qualified. He was married in 1897 
and has two children, Muriel and Isabel, both living. A Demo- 
crat in politics, he is a member of the Harlem Democratic and 
Young Men's Democratic Clubs. He is also a member of the 
North Side Board of Trade, Mt. Sinai and Lebanon Hospitals, 
the Royal Arcanum, Knights of Pythias, Eagles, No. 40, and 
several other prominent clubs and organizations. Mr. Levy 
gives promise of a brilliant future and is held in high esteem by 
his chief and members of the Tenement House Commission. 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



383 



GUSTAVL'S ROBITZEK, engaged in business with his 
brother at Rider Avenue and 137th Street, has been a resident 
here for forty years. He is an Austrian by birth, but was 
brought up and went to school here. For many years he has 
been in the coal and poultry business, and has inade an unquali- 




OUSTAVUS ROBITZEK 

fied success of it. He is a resident of the East Side of the Bronx 
(671 East 136th Street), is interested in politics and bowling, 
and belongs to a number of organizations, among others the 
following : The North Side Board of Trade, Wieland Lodge, F. 
and A. M., the Schnorer Club, German-American Bowling Club 
and K. of T. Bowling Club. 

JULIUS C. WACHENHEIMER, son of Abraham and 
Fannie Wachenheimer (both natives of Europe), was born Janu- 
ary 29, i860, at Peoria, Illinois, where he received a liberal edu- 
cation in the public schools. After leaving school he engaged in 
mercantile pursuits, a vocation he has followed ever since. Mr. 
Wachenheimer served as a private under Capt. Kline, with the 
Volunteer Southerners of Mississippi for three years, a com- 
pany which bore the reputation of being the best drilled of any 
in the South. He won the distinction of being the best drilled 
member of that organization, and in honor thereof he received 
the medal of tlie Black Plume, a prize which is highly coveted. 
About twenty years ago Mr. Wachenheimer located in New York 
City, and two years ago he removed to the Bronx and engaged 
in tlic wholesale liquor business at No. 2785 Third Avenue, where 
he is now located, having the largest liquor store in the Bronx. 
In politics he is a Democrat; he has never sought or desired to 
hold any public office. On September 25, 1894, Mr, Wachen- 
heimer was united in wedlock with Miss Matilda Seckels; two 
interesting children, Arthur and Ruth, have been born to them. 
Mr. Wachenheimer is possessed of a genial nature, is a liberal, 
public-spirited citizen and is highly esteeired by all classes, both 
in the social and commercial walks of life. He is liberal to a 
fault and his purse has always been open for the benefit of any 
worthy cause whereby the Borough of tlie Bronx will be bene- 
fitted. 

WILLIAM JACKSON PRIME manages the old Dickinson 
estate at Kingsbridge, at Jerome Avenue and Gun Hill Road, 
which is devoted to amusement purposes, and used chiefly as a 
picnic ground. He was born April 21. 1827, on Shelter Island, 
and has been living in the borough since 1849, a fact numbering 



him, with fifty-six years' residence to his credit, among the "oldest 
inhabitants." He is a man of family, having, as issue of his 
marriage with Miss Frances Payne. April 21, 1880, two children 
living, Wni. J., Jr., and Evelyn Francis, and five dead. His 
father was \Vm. Jackson Prime; his mother Teresa Ward. Mr. 
Prime is a member of the Sons of New York and of the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church. He has never been active politically or 
aspired to office, but has given his time closely to his family and 
business. 

JAMES M. KING was the first to establish a regular 
florists' business in the Bronx, and well has he been rewarded 
for his enterprise, though he had but little when he started. He 
came up here from Manhattan — where, by the way, he was 
born, and went to public school — about fifteen years ago with- 




out a cent, and started on his own account in a little store at 
720 Tremont Avenue. Judge Tierncy gave him then one of 
his first orders. That was in i8go; but it was by no means his 
first experience in the busmess. He is now 39, and has been 
in this line since he was 10. Besides the store, now at 748 
Tremont Avenue, he has nurseries on the Fort Schuyler Road. 
Throgg's Neck. He has a fine equipment and trade, and repu- 
tation as a popular, progressive and public spirited man. He 
is a strong Democrat, a member of the Tallapoosa Club, the 
Arthur H. Murphy Association, the Jefferson Club and Bedford 
Park Democratic Club. He also belongs to the Tremont Social 
Club, the Fordham Club and the North Side Board of Trade, 
to the Buskins, the Royal Arcanum, the Elks. A. O. U. W.. 
Junior Order of United American Mechanics, the Knights of 
Columbus, Brownson Catholic Club and the Woodmen of Ameri- 
ca ; also honorary member of Chippewa Club and Bedford Park 
Taxpayers' Alliance. He is the president of the Tremont Social 
Club, which at his suggestion and initiative gave a May walk 
to 3.000 children of the Bronx two years ago that was reviewed 
by President Haffen. Mr. King married. February 17, 1892, 
Miss Eleanor R. O'Neill. They have three children, all girls. 




SEWVSt T. 





,TJKS ^-OSSFK M£ACS£S 



,"CSEPH J. »•«- 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



3Hi 



11, VV. nOETTGER, of ilu- 1 Uiuy \V. IUrMIkci- SilU 
iMiiisliiiiB Ciimpaiiy of llic lironx aikl Now JiTscy. is, from an 
iiuliistrial slaiuliH>iiil, oiu- ol ilic must important iiulividiials 
of llic l)oroiiKli. i'lioiiuli immorsod in liiisiiioss ami link- lii'ard 
of ill public alTairs, lie cuts a more useful ami lioiioraliU' (ijjure 
in the world than many another oflener menlionod. As the 
father of a new industry, one as seldom happens, sharing in it-- 
success besides, his story merits attention. It is thirty-eiKlit 
years now since he came licre, a slraiiner from a foreign land 
with but $50 in his possesion. While lookiiiR for worl< he 
started out, stomachinK jiride and all Ihat, pedillinp; neiUties 
from door to door. In this pilgrimage there came to him .1 
discovery, and that was that the art of silU I'mishing and piece 
dyeing, as it is called in the trade, was miUnoun in this country. 
To learn that with liiiii w.is to act. VVlun lu- had saveil $Ho, 
he joined forces with hi^ pre--eul parliuT. Mr, ll!ii'e. wli 1 h:iil 
a liki- amoiiiil, ;nid Invrlhrf ihry in:ule ihr '.■iiiiin. In ih.il 



.1 piilili. ■.piiiteci cili/cn, Kivinj.; Idiil.illy lo ill. inly, lie iit il|. 
teresled in the Hroli.s and iichevei anil dr'.nri il lu hi; Ijii; 
comiiiK maiinfacturiiiK center of the nielropolli, 1 1 h.n been 
said that he who iiiaUes one new blade of ^^^:ls% to Kiow, iM a bene- 

f;u-|or of llie public; if so vvli;i1 of tlie lu.'iti who establinhri an 

nhhi.liv (h.il c,\\i-. uoik .on! rmiilMii ic, ihi.ir.aiid/.' 

WJI.l.l.NM DiilH.lv I'HI.I.IS, till' aci'oinplished private 
secretary to the ( oiiuhi. muiui of r.iiK., llcirouRh of the itroiix, 
uas boin oil jaiiii.iry MJ, iWi,), in liir nM Ninth Ward of the 
(ily of New YorU, .-ind received his ediicalion in two of the 
Krammar schools of the city. No. .i ami No, (iK, in) West r2Klli 
Street, I larleui. On I )eceiiilier ig, iHij.', Mr. I'lilli'. iiianici! 
Miss h'lora W. Wiimaiis, of this city, and .as the result of thii 
union there is one sdii. a very proiiiisiHj.j youth, Masl<M' WiMKuii 
Ueutoii I'ullis. Mr, I'lillis is ,-1 I lemoiiat in polities, ami 1, ;i 
|ir.irlii:'l ci'('.'ii'i ■aliiiii in.iii. lie has woiKeil haul and failli 




Ilcnrv W. liov-ttKCr Sill; Finiahliix Works 



venture the industry was born. The ;u'l of piece iiui^liiii..;, 
then inaugiiraled in .'\merica, soon became, uiiiKr iheir iiiauiige- 
meiit, ,1 \a!ii.ihle addilii'ii to the iiidtislries of llie country. It 
is an old one now, uilb many persons iiUeresled and many nnl- 
lious iiuesieil, lini iluy were its pioneers. Brielly expl.iined, 
that industry is this: i he fabric is dyed in the piece and not in 
tlie skein, conse(|uently the manufacturer of silk goods suffers 
no loss by changes in f.isbion, for his goods can be dyed when 
and in what color he, catering to the public, ni.ay please. Boettgcr 
Si llinzc started in a small way on Duane Street, Nev York, 
and afterward moved to a place built by them on I44tii Snect 
in the Bronx. This plant has been greatly enlarged since, and 
now employ.s .30 hands and turns out 2,000 to 2,500 pieces of 
tinished silks daily, Il linishes silks as they come from the 
loom, and the goods come to it from all parts of America 
where there are silk manufactures. Mr. Boettgcr is head also 
of the great Boettgcr I'iece Dye Works at Lodi, New Jersey, 
making this tlie largest concern of its kind in the land. He is 



fully for his party, and his clerical and other abilities have 
been properly recognized by the leaders who regard him as 
all iiidi-.pensable part of their organization — ihe Wampanoag 
Chill of the Thirty-fourth Assembly District — of which asso- 
ci.iiinii he is one of the active and successful members. In the 
Park Department his ability as private secretary is warmly 
praised by all of the heads of the department, and by the 
mimerous persons who come in contact with him through their 
business with the commissioner, as he has the complete control 
of the minor details of the parks, and receives all callers before 
they can obtain eiUrancc to the commissioner's office. He is a 
memlier of the Delando Club, the Order of Eagles, No. 491, 
Bronx, tlie Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen and the Wam 
p.inoag Club, of which latter organization he is the secretary, 
lie is very popular with all of the heads of departments in the 
liorough of the Bronx, and gives promise to occupy very im- 
portant positions of trust in the near future with the municipal 











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Scenw St Qwon Point Inn. the Favorite Amusement Resort 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



387 



government of the Bronx Borough. By nature of a kind dis- 
position, he makes friends easily, and what is more to the pdint, 
when he makes a friend he keeps him, and this faculty is so 
well recognized by all who come in contact with him, that a 
simple introduction suffices to place on terms of intimacy the 
most bashful stranger ; in fact, it must surely come, that every 
man in this great and growing borough will be in a very short 
time enrolled in the host of friends who will wish every kind of 
good luck to William D. Pullis. 

JEROME F. HEALY was Secretary and Treasurer of 
Typographical Union No. 6 ("Big Six"), for a number of years, 
filling the position with credit and honor, resigning the same to 
accept an appointment under Register Frank Gass, after liis 
unsuccessful canvass for Coroner on the Demiocratic ticket, 
has been a resident of the Bronx for fifteen years. He was 
born in New York City, August 7, 1858, and is a graduate of the 
public schools. He is a Democrat politically, a member- of t'le 
Tammany Hall General Committee, the Jefferson Club and A. H. 
Murphy Association; also the Buskins, the Elks, the Eagles, 
Knights of Columbus, and Red Men, and besides Typographical 
Union No. 6, the Printers' Benevolent Union. He is a man 
of family — married in 1890 — with a wife and four children. 
He lives at 18,3s Bathgate Avenue. 

FRED. WII.LETT LUDLUM, D.D.S.. of 2868 Third Ave- 
nue, Bronx, was born at Goshen, Orange County, N. Y., January 
24, 1870. He acquired the preliminaries of a professional edu- 
cation in the public schools of Port Jervis, N. Y., and after 
study and practice in dentistry in the office of the late H. Frank 
Dobbs, of Port Jervis, finished his course at the New York Col- 




FRED. WILLETT LUDLUM, D.D.S. 

lege of Dentistry and graduated, an honor man, in 1889. He 
has since been practicing steadily, and has been located for four 
years of the interim in the Bronx. On January 8, 1906, T)r. 
Ludlum incorporated under the name of the Princeton Dental 
Parlors, and at a meeting of the board of directors, upon the 
receipt of the articles of incorporation from Albany, he was 
elected the genera! manager; Theodore Ludlum, of Port Jerv!^^, 



N. Y., president; Thomas H. Branch, of Port Jervis, N. Y., 
vice-president; William H. Crane, of Brooklyn, secretary 
and treasurer, and Miss Anna Eberle, of the Bronx, as cashier. 
The company maintain a fully equipped dental office, with all the 
modern and up-to-date appliances, with three competent assist- 
ants. Since Dr. Ludlum took hold of the management of this 
company the increase in business has been steady — or to get a 




Princeton Dental Parlors 

better idea, since May, 1905, there has been altogether 5,000 
people attended to satisfactorily. The specialty of the company 
has mainly been in the quality of the gold work, of which Dr. 
Ludlum has made a thorough study throughout his experience 
of twenty-one years in dentistry. The other branches of the 
work produced at the Princeton Dental Parlors is maintained 
at the same standard. Dr. Ludlum is an ardent Republican. 
Me has held various minor political positions, but has 
never aspired to elective office, his interests being entirely 
devoted to his profession. He belongs to several fraternal bodies, 
among them the Knights of Pythias, of which he is Past Vice 
Chancellor; the Independent Order of Heptasophs, of which he 
is Past Archon; and the Odd Fellows. He was formerly one 
of the Governors of the Deer Park Club of Port Jervis, N. Y., 
and is associated with the Greenwood Baptist Church at Seventh 
Avenue and Sixth Street, Brooklyn. He married, January 23, 
1895, Miss Cordelia Florence Branch. They have two children, 
Dorothy Branch and Theodore Thomas. 

JOHN JOSEPH MEAGHER, the prominent and well 
known sexton and undertaker of St. Augustine Roman Catholic 
Church, was born in New York City November 5, 1858, and 
graduated from both St. Peter's School and Grammar School 
No. 29. He was a bright and attentive student and always occu- 
pied the leading position in his classes. His ability was quickly 
recognized after leaving school by receiving the appointment of 
assistant clerk to the Warren Court of Inquiry, which was held 
at Governor's Island , serving in this capacity until the final disso- 
lution of the court, when he was appointed superintendent of 
asphalt construction work in the city, a position of great re- 
sponsibility which he successfully held for nine years. In i888 
over sixteen years he moved to the Bronx with his family and 
laid the foundation of his large and successful business as an 
undertaker and embalmer. In this latter business he has always 
raxiked as one of the leading and most popular undertakers in 



38S 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



the borough. His business methods employed in the preparation 
and management of the care and final disposition of the de- 
parted are so methodical and practical that his services are in 
constant demand, not only from his own parishioners, but from 
all parts of the Bronx. The gentleman is particularly fitted for 
his profession, having such a striking personality, a genial na- 
ture, sympathetic feelings, courteous in all his manners and 
promptness in the execution of the business entrusted to his 
care. Mr. Meagher was married on November 24, 1885, to Miss 
Carrie Roth, of New York City, daughter of Peter and Mar- 
gueretta Roth, the former deceased, the latter living, and has 
four children to bless the result of this happy union ; Julia, Mabel, 
Gertie and Florry Meagher. The son of Thomas and Julia 
Meagher, both of whom are deceased, he is highly respected 
by the clergy and laymen of St. Augustine's Church as one of 
its most useful assistants and for the satisfactory manner he con- 
ducts his services as sexton of the well known church. Mr. 
Meagher is a large taxpayer in the borough and is known and 
considered as one of its first citizens. He is a Democrat in 
politics and a member of the Knights of Columbus, Catholic 
Mutual Benevolent Society, Royal Arcanum, Ancient Order of 
United Workmen. 

JACOB STAHL, JR., of Jacob Stahl, Jr., & Co., cigar manu- 
facturers, was born in New York City December 6, 1865. He 
received a careful and thorough education in the public schools, 
graduating therefrom with credit and honor. After completing 
his education he immediately engaged in business. Mr. Stahl 
is descended from an old and well known New York family 
who came to this country from Bavaria, Germany. In 1858 
Jacob Stahl, Sr., father of the subject of this sketch, founded 
the business, which, to-day is known as Jacob Stahl, Jr., & Co. 
The success of the business has gone far beyond what the 
founder ever anticipated. It grew to such enormous, propor- 
tions that, in i8go, Stahl City, N. Y., was developed. To-day 
it is a bustling town of 2,£,oo inhabitants, with churches, schools, 
stores, hotels and a theatre. Many fine dwellings adorn the 
place. Stahl City covers three hundred and fifty acres of ground, 
the factory occupying a large portion of the plot, in which five 
hundred people are employed. The buildings and equipment are 
of the most modern character; the firm also have a main office 
and factory located at Nos. 155 and 157 East Forty-second 
Street, New York City, this being the distributing depot for the 
famous "Brunswick" cigar. The clear Havana factory and office 
is at No. 82 Bowery, at which place the celebrated "St. Regis" 
clear Havana cigar is manufactured. The above brands are 
famous throughout the entire country for excellence of quality. 
The Company's business operations are only limited by the broad 
expanse of territory extending from Maine to California, and 
from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. Mr. Stahl has 
been an honored resident of Bronx Borough since 1876. He 
has never sought or held any political office. He is a prominent 
member of the Schnorer and Jefferson Clubs of Bronx Borough. 
In 1883 Jacob Stahl, Sr., built the factory at No. 3489 Third Ave- 
nue, which was occupied by the firm and also the dwellings ad- 
joining, Nos. 3491-93-95-97, corner of i68th Street and Third Ave- 
nue. These buildings were the first five-story flats constructed in 
the Bronx. 

EDW.\RD T. GOEB. — .A.mong tliose who have been inslrr- 
mental in the upbuilding of this now progressive section of 
Greater New York, the subject of this sketch has given his 
hearty support, not only in an industrial way, but has given 



considerable time and energy to all matters pertaining to the 
development and welfare of Bronx Borough. Mr. Goeb was 
born in Hcssen Cassel, Germany, on September i, 1856, and is 
proud of the fact that he hails from that hearty German stock 
which has done so much for American industry. His father, 
iiardo Goeb, was one of the prominent builders on Long Island, 
and he inculcated in his son all the honorable methods which 
he had followed, and to which he laid his success. Young Goeb 
received his early and only schooling in the German public 
mstitutions, which are even to-day noted for their thoroughness, 
and at the age of thirteen graduated from same. For three 
years he was an apprentice in the building trade, and was 
employed upon work of a high character, such as the construc- 
tion of first-class structures in Frankfort-on-Main. In 1.S7J 
he came to America with great ambitions and a desire to make 
a success of his chosen trade, and upon his arrival he went to 
Long Island City, joined forces with his father, and remained 
with him until his death, which occurred in 1890. From that 
time Mr. Goeb has been alone in his building transactions, and 
tue excellent training he received from his early experiences, 
his father's careful rearing, and his own indomitable perser- 
verance has resulted in his success. His building operations 
have not been limited to one section, but have spread over a 
considerable territory. In 1887 he built the original penny- 
biidge between Blissville and Greenpoint, L. I., and was one 
of the first men on the Blackwell's Island committee of forty 
to erect the Blackwell's Island Bridge, and was instrumental 
in bringing the matter to an issue. This alone took up a great 
deal of his time, and, on several occasions he represented these 
interests in Albany. Later on he was elected secretary of the 
above committee. His public and private structures number 
about three hundred, some of the most prominent being the 
large pier at Long Branch, the pavilion at North Beach, the 
$40,000 club house at Amityville, L. I., twenty-four stone and 
frame houses constructed for E. J. Woolsey, of Long Island, 
the pavilion in Washington Park. Brooklyn, N. Y.. which meas- 
uris two huindred feet widte and four hundred feet deep 
During his three years residence in the Bronx, he has built 
over seventy-two houses, and is now constructing thirty first- 
class dwellings for the American Real Estate Company, twenty 
of which have been finished up in the last few months ; these 
houses are located in Faile Street, and the ten now under 
construction are located in Simpson Street. Mr. Goeb has fol- 
lowed but one rule in regard to building material, and the 
sreedy sale of all his houses tells the whole story. His affilia 
tion with local organizations is limited, as his extensive building 
operations requite all his time; his leisure inoments are hap- 
pily spent with his family. He is an ardent bowler and belongs 
;o the Bronx Bowling Club ; is a memlier of the Jefferson 
Club, the Foresters, C. B. L., No. 204, the Crotona Fishin.g 
Cuib, the Singing Society of Crotona, and is a worshipper of 
tlic Catholic faith. On July 12. 1879. he married Miss Mary 
Welke, of New York. He has raised a most interesting family, 
and has given them all the advantages of a thorough education. 
The names of the children are as follows: May, now the wife of 
Purdis Pinkham, of New Y'ork ; Augusta, Amelia and Francis 
who attend Miller's College, of New York City, and Edward 
P.. H.. who is receiving the benefit of his father's training in the 
building line, although at present attending school ; he also 
l^elongs to one of the leading choirs of the Bronx. Mr. Goeb's 
oldest son, Theodore, died from overexertion in 1902, while 
giving an exhibition race on a bicycle; his death occurred upon 
his arrival home. He was a graduate of the New York Hich 
School and was taking up a law course at the time of his 
demise. 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



389 



ALPMONSE W. WEINER, the leading jeweler of the 
Bronx, was liorn Juno 6, 1852, at Breslau, Germany. He was 
educated in the public schools at London, England. His parents 
and his antecedents were strong, vigorous people, who instilled 
into their children Christian fortitude, and an absolute reliance 
upon the duties they owed to the Great Creator. Equipped with 
this Christian spirit, young Weiner came to this country eighteen 
years ago and having heretofore obtained a general knowledge of 
the jewelry business, opened a store in the Bronx, at that time 
a poorly inhabited part, of what is now known as Greater New 
York. As the Bronx grew, so did the business of Mr. Weiner, 
and as it is noted, he is to-day the Tiffany of the Bronx. His 
first stock of goods displayed in his improvised window eighteen 
years ago, absolutely represented his entire capital and .stock 
in trade, say $500. To-day those of the Bronx who desire to pur- 
chase jewelry or precious stones of any character, or value arc 
now accommodated at Weiner's. The gentleman has alway.s 
manifested a deep interest in the advancement of public improve- 
ments. He has strictly kept himself aloof from political affairs 
and controversies. In 1884 he married Catherina A. Seaton, of 
Birmingham, England, the result of this happy union being five 
children, all living, viz. : Alfred W., Marie S., Evelyn S., Ar- 
thur Randolph, and Alice E. Mr. Weiner is one of the oldest 
members of the North Side Board of Trade, chairman of House 
Committee and also member of Executive Committee of the 
Schnorer Club and other prominent organizations in the Bronx. 

JAMES G. RILEY, the pioneer and most prominent 
truckman in the Borough of the Bronx, was born in Ireland in 
1835, and attended school at the latter place where he applied 
himself studiously to the advantages offered him, and receiving 
a practical education, he came to the United States and 37 
years ago settled in the Bronx. At this period, Harlem was a 
mere village and all north of the Harlem River was a wild 
and open country, which offered poor inducements to a young 
man, upon entering business with the expectations of being 
even moderately successful. But Mr. Riley had resolved to 
enter the field with a solid and stubborn determination to suc- 
ceed. He worked hard and laboriously, and in a short time he 
discovered an opportunity to increase his income by other 
methods. He started the Bronx Cooperage business, the firsr 
cooperage, and from this the trucking business on a very small 
scale, and in a few years, as the North Side (as it was unknown 
in those days), began to develop and increase in population, his 
business kept pace with it, and the result of his judgment was 
gratifying to him. In 1865 Mr. Riley was married to Miss 
Elizabeth Murray in New York City, this union having been 
Messed by six children, all of them educated at St. Jerome's 
parochial school and prominent among them, James T. and 
Edward R. Riley, the latter now composing the firm of James 
G. Riley & Sons. Along the lines of rapid progression in the 
population, and rapid business development of the Bronx, Mr. 
K. ley's business developed accordingly, not only throughout the 
Bronx, but Manhattan, and as the yellow sere of life began to 
tell upon him, and after his two sons had completed their school 
education, he trained them carefully in his business, and when 
they became practical in all of its details, he made them equal 
partners, which resulted in the changing of what is now 
known throughout Greater New York, as the firm of James 
Riley & Sons. Practically retired from the business himself, 
James T. Riley and Edward R. conduct the large business in- 
terests, which extends into all the branches of heavy and light 
trucking of greater or less importance. The firm is exten- 
sively known, and are equipped with all the latest, best and 




THOMAS F. KIERNAN 



most improved methods for the safe and proper conveyance of 
the heaviest materials. The United States government and 
many of the largest corporations are clients of this active, ener- 
getic and responsible firm. Mr. James G. Riley in his ripe 
age looks with pleasure upon the great results, accomplished 
through his early struggles, and for the firmness of his convic- 
tions in maintaining and sticking to his first and decided views, 
which has resulted so successfully to him and his family. Him- 
self and family are strict members of St. Jerome's Roman Catholic 
Church. He is a Democrat, but never aspired to any public of- 
fice, is a member of St. Vincent De Paul and Holy Name Society. 

CHRISTIAN HENRY HARTMAN, the famous Bronx 
jeweler and optician, was born at London, England, August 29th, 
1869, where he attended school and graduated. He has been a 
resident of the Bronx since 1892, and conducts one of the larg- 
est jewelry stores in the Borough, besides having aided largely 
every effort on the part of public spirited citizens to advance 
and promote the development of the Borough. Mr. Hartman 
is known as one of the leading jewelers of the Bronx, he enjoys 
the confidence and extensive patronage of the influential resi- 
dents, and is connected prominently with Radiant Lodge No. 
739, F. and A. M., Ivy Chapter No. 238, York Commanderp, K. 
T. No. 55, New York Consistory, 320, Mystic Shrine, Mecca 
Temple, Foresters of America, Morris Yacht Club, Stuyvesant 
Club, the New York State and New York City Optical Societies. 
On December 24th, 1893, he married Miss Louise Beatrice As- 
cott. Politically, Mr. Hartman is a Democrat, but not an office 
seeker. He is popular commercially and socially with all classes 
irrespective of politics or religious creed. 

FRANK S. HOLAHAN.— Mr. Holahan is Superintendent 
of Water Supply, Sixth District. He lives at Elliott Avenue 
and 2o8th Street, Williamsbridge, has been resident there in fact 
since the fall of '94. Being an active Democrat and working 
member of the organization, he is widely known, and is popu- 
lar as well. He was born in New York Cit;y, March 25, 1862, at 
Fourth Avenue and Tenth Street. He began life as cash boy 
with A. T. Stewart & Co. (now Wanamaker's), and remained 
there five years, during which period he rose to be stock clerk 
and salesman. Then he went with Stern Bros, and with R. H. 



390 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



Macy, being in the business altogether fifteen j-ears. In 1883 
he was one of the prime movers in the organization of the Early 
Closing Retail Dry Goods Association, still existing, and which 
secured the custom first and then the law, for 12 o'clock closing. 
He was secretary of that body and on two occasions Grand 
Marshal of its parades, 1884 and 1888, the campaigns of Pres. 
Grover Cleveland. He left the dry goods business in 1885, when 
he was appointed by Commissioner Gilroy. Inspector of Pave- 
ments. He served the city later as Assistant General Inspector. 
He is a man of family, with three children living and two dead. 
Two sons are now students at Fordham University. He married 
in February, 1885, Miss Helena Walsh. He is a trustee of West- 
chester Exempt Firemen's Association, one of the "Good Fel- 
lows" of Williamsbridge, a member of the Chippewa Club, and 
'i'ammany General Committee, of Empire Council, National 
Union, of the Knights of Columbus (Grand Knight of Guiding 
Star Council, No. 212), of the Catholic Benevolent Legion, the 
Holy Name Society of St. Mary's Church, and belongs to a num- 
ber of other organizations, social and fraternal. Mr. Holahan 
was a member of Co. G. Eighth Regiment, N. Y. N. G, and 
served for seven years, and was elected first lieutenant under 
Col. Geo. W. Scott, and was associated with Theo. Roosevelt, 
who was an officer of the regiment at the same time. 

L. S. VAN GUNS.— The subject of this sketch was born 
in London, England, August 15, 1874, where he attended school, 
and on his arrival in this country also attended the public 
schools in New York City as well as Buffalo. In 1890 he en- 
tered a law office with the intention of studying law, but a 
serious accident with which he met forced him to abandon this 
purpose. Afterward he took up the work of life insurance, 
and continued it for some years, when perceiving the possi- 
bilities that were to be attained in the advertising line, he 
entered that field, and his progressiveness, acumen and dis- 
cernment were soon rewarded with a large and profitable 
Clientage. During his residence in the Borough of the Bronx 
he has made himself very popular. His political affiliations 
might be said to be independent, seeking the success of the 
best men in guiding the helm of State. During the last muni- 



cipal election he was an ardent supporter of Hon. Frank Gass, 
for Register of the county of New York, and saw his efforts 
crowned with success. He has never held any political office, 
but has been very prominent in commercial circles. He is a 





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L. S. VAN GUNS 

member of Shakespeare Lodge, No. 750, F. and A. M. On 
January 16, 1898, he married Miss Lillian Brandon, of Yon- 
kers, a well known society belle, and the result of the happy 
union has been two daughters. 




Police Station, 4 1st Precinct, Webster Avenue and Mosholu Parkway 



CHAPTER XLV 



EDUCATIONAL ADVANTAGES 



Colleges — Seminaries — Public Schools — High School — Commercial Schools 



In keeping and in harmony with its business and home de- 
velopment, tlie Bronx has not been backward in its educational 
improvement. The emergence from the local country schools 
with their humble housings to the present advanced state is 
highly commendable, and demonstrates that the Bronxite has 
adopted in verity the motto "Excelsior." From the conglo- 
merate school over which presided one teacher assisted by a 
' monitor," the present advanced condition has been reached. 

No longer is the Bronx paterfamilias content with having 
the crude rudiments of education imparted to his offspring, but 
insists upon the highest standard of education obtainable under 
New York City's admirable system. 

The architecture of the present day schools has kept pace 
with the advancement in other lines of the borough's progress, 
and the people can point with pride to the many magnificent 
edifices that attest to the community's reaching out for the high- 
est ideals. 

The New York University, at University Heights, is a 
fitting monument to the activity of the people. Within its walls 
the advanced branches are taught by a faculty that stands high 
in the records of the educational system of the country. 

Fordham College has recently taken a most decided step 
forward in the educational arena, and now is designated a uni- 
versity where the study of law has been included in its curri- 
culum. From this former college many men prominent in the 
affairs of our land have received the finishing touches to the 
public school education with credit to themselves and their alma 
mater. 

But to the public schools, which have been properly and 
fitly termed "the bulwarks of American liberty," much watchful 
care has been exercised in order to keep them in the front 
rank of education. The cost of maintenance may seem some- 
what large to the person who studies figures, but the outlay is 
compensated for in the fact that the knowledge there inculcated 
has resulted in producing better men and women with minds 
well stored with useful knowledge that has proven a valuable 
aid in bringing the country to its present prominence among the 
nations of the earth. 

While the City of New York has shown great liberality in 
its school expenditures, it has been somewhat handicapped in 
its disbursements owing to the urgent demands upon its resorces 
by other branches of the city government. This has been felt 
very seriously in the proper housing of the children, and new 
buildings have been attained only when the situation has been 
so acute as to make the continuance of the condition a veritable 
hardship. 

Yet notwithstanding all these drawbacks during the past ten 
years the number of new schools which have been erected in 
the Bronx have borne the highest encomiums of the progressive - 
nesis of the borough that has been the cynosure of the entire 
Union, 

Whether in the primary, the grammar, the high school, or its 
colleges, the Bronx will compare most favorably with the older 
seats of learning. 



LOCAL DISTRICT NO. 23. 

The borough is divided into tour local districts whose at- 
tendance is shown by the following ngures lor the quarter ending 
November, iyo5 : 

Regis- Attend- Regis- Attend- Regis- Attend- 

ler. ance. ter. ance. ter. ance 

School No. Sepicmber October November 

I 879 yt^i 888 748 893 744 

9 Pr 1.44^ t,340 1,471 1,331 1.480 1,320 

9 Gr 1,13s 1,072 1081 1,003 1,072 970 

18 829 775 827 753 824 748 

2'^ 322 288 336 298 344 302 

27 2,552 2,478 2,480 2,402 2,484 2,257 

29 2,022 1,775 2.038 1,836 2,051 1,849 

30 1,387 1,277 1,397 1,243 1,412 1,270 

31 421 357 394 353 379 334 

37 2,311 1,873 2,302 2,029 2,265 2,040 



13,300 11,998 13,214 11,996 13,210 11,834 

LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 24. 

Regis- Attend- Regis- Attend- Regis- Attend- 

ter. ance. ter. ance. ter. ance. 

Scliool No. September October November 

3 Pr 1,357 1.265 1,381 1,266 1,398 1,269 

3 Gr 885 1,041 927 866 848 918 

10 2,496 2,333 2,527 2,309 2,511 2,314 

20 1,671 1,526 1,618 1,484 1,657 1.469 

23 2,017 1.817 2,101 1,845 2,145 1,870 

25 1,476 1,420 1,459 1,297 1.509 1,31s 

35 1,133 1,004 1,141 1,021 1,136 1,006 

38 1,126 1,068 1,144 1,039 1,144 1,028 

39 493 506 577 516 588 536 

12,654 11.780 12,875 11.643 12,936 12,225 

LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 25. 

Regis- Attend- Regis- Attend- Regis- Attend- 

ter. ance. ter. ance. ter. ance. 

School No. September October November 

2 G. D 1,122 1,065 1,083 1.031 1.083 i.oog 

2 P. D 1,916 1,752 i,g6i 1,761 2,003 1,728 

4 3.056 2,794 3.063 2,728 3,084 2,782 

6 1,275 1. 133 1.219 1,113 1.241 1,097 

7 819 555 615 557 624 550 

11 865 785 864 771 863 754 

24 141 121 148 126 150 129 

26 432 385 442 405 432 395 

28 1,513 i,,^79 1,507 1,371 1,505 1,322 

33 677 604 687 638 685 622 

11,816 9,573 11,589 10,501 11,670 10,388 




Public School No. 39, Longwood Avenue, Kelly and Beck Streets 




Public School No. 41. Elliott Avenue and 209th Street, Williamsbridge 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 393 

LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 26. No. 29— Trinity Avenue and ijOtli Street. 

Regis- Attend- Regis- Attend- Regis- Attend- ^o. 30-l4ist Street, near Brool< Avenue, 

ter. ance. ter. ance. ter. ance. ^^- 31— Mott and Walton Avenues, 144th and 145th Streets. 

School No. September' October' November' No. 32--i83d Street and Beamiiont Avenpue. 

c 11^3 1^072 1,123 1,040 1,110 gg; No. 33— Jerome and Walton Avenues, north of 184th Street. 

tj '^70 'y(jg '§88 '773 '^79 /u'^ ^°' 34— Amethyst Avenue and Victor Street, Van Nest. 

Q_ QQ^ -aq jj-,[j _(,„ No. 35 — 163d Street, between Grant and Morris Avenues. 

13 1203 1,089 1,181 1,054 1. 177 i.oui No. 36— Avenue C, between Eighth and Ninth Streets, Unioii- 

14 302 257 304 253 314 240 ^^ 

,3 298 259 307 2o5 30? 252 ^°- 37—i45th and t46th Streets, east of Willis Avenue. 

16'.'.'.'.'.'..'.'.. 708 028 717 632 700 635 No. 38-iS7th Street and Third Avenue. 

,„-, ,,, -jQ ,,, _,j No. 39 — Longwood Avenue, Kelly and Beck Streets. 

1/ .^3^ 30- 33^ 200 3.^t -240 ^^ o 

ig 205 186 201 190 211 i8i No. 40— Prospect Avenue, Jennings Street and Ritter Place. 

21 558 ^gg 551 489 565 493 No. 41— Elliott Avenue and 209th Street, Williamsbridge. 

32 '.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'. 1,008 1,484 1,614 1,486 1,012 1,480 No. 4-2-Washington and Wendover Avenues. 

34 1.038 936 1,063 949 1,081 953 

36 796 677 791 607 765 655 MORRIS HIGH SCHOOL. 

^ The Morris High School at Boston Road, l66th Street and 

9,94 ,9 5 9,9 3 • S 9,9- ,/43 JacUsoii Avenue, presents the finishing touches to the education 

It seems to be almost an impossibility for the school authori- imparted in the above schools. 

ties to keep pace with the growth of the school population in the Evening high schools, for the education of those who are 

borough, and as fast as a new edifice is completed it is promptly by necessity compelled to labor during the daytime at their 

filled 10 surfeit. various avocations, have been established at the Morris High 

The location of the public schools in the Bronx is as fol- School and at Public School No. 3, 157th Street, so that illiteracy 

lows : IS kept at a very low rate. 

No. I- College Avenue and 145th Street. Tlie parochial schools have proven a valuable aid in the 

No. 2- Third Avenue, near 170th Street, with an Annex at cause of education, and afforded material aid in relieving the 

iMilton Avenue and 169th Street. congestion in the public schools. St. Jerome's R. C. Church at 

No. 3— 157th Street and Courtlandt Avenue. 138th Street and Alexander Avenue, the Catholic Protectory at 

No. 4— Fulton Avenue and 173d Street. Westchester, the Church of the Immaculate Conception at 150th 

No. 5- 2436 Webster Avenue, corner of Welch Street. Street and Melrose Avenue, the Ursuline Academy at Bedford 

No. 6— Locust Avenue, West Farms. Park, St. Valentine's at Williamsbridge, and others throughout 

No. 7— Church Street and Webber's Lane, Kingsbridge. the borough have been of material assistance in laying the foun- 

No. 8 — Mo'sholu Parkvi-ay, Bedford Park. dation for useful knovi^ledge. 

No. 9 — 735 East 138th Street. To the advanced scholars who are destined to enter upon 

No. Id — Eagle Avenue and 163d Street. a business career, the Bronx is not deficient in offering advan- 

No. II— Ogden Avenue, Highbridge. tages equal to those of Manhattan, for here are located some 

No. 12— Second Street, Westchester, with Annex at Four- well known business colleges which instruct the attendants in 

teenth Street and Avenue C, Westchester. stenography, typewriting, business methods, etc., that have met 

No. 13— Park Avenue and 216th Street, Williamsbridge. with deserved success. Among the better known we might 

No. 14 — Eastern Boulevard, near Elliott Avenpue, Throg-j's mention the Walworth Business College, Bird's Commercial 

Neck. School and the Franklin Commercial School have also proved 

No. 15 — Westchester Turnpike, near Clason Point Road. their public utility, as is attested by the responsible positions 

No. 16 — Matilda Street, between 240th and 241st Streets. held by their graduates in public and business life. 

Wakefield, with Annex at Fifth Avenue, south of Kingsbridge As before stated the problem of keeping pace with the school 

Road. Eastchester. population of the Bronx is one that has given the Board of Edu- 

No. 17 — Fordham Avenue, City Island. cation much concern, yet they have bravely met the situation 

No. 18 — SOI Courtlandt Avenue. and at the time of this writing have taken the initiatory steps 

No. 19 — 233d Street and Clinton Avenue, Woodlawn. to acquire sites for additional school accommodations. The 

No. 20 — At Fox, Simpson and 167th Streets. increase in school population, however, is a perplexing one. as th? 

No. 21 — 225th Street, near White Plains Avenue. Bronx has steadily and persistently smashed all previous school 

No. 22 — 599 East 140th Street. statistics by the unparalleled growth during the past decade. 

No. 23 — 165th Street and Union Avenue. which itself soon will be eclipsed ow'ing to the vast development 

No. 24 — Spuyten Duyvil. that is now going on in the hitherto sparsely settled sections. 

No. 25 — Union Avenue and I4gth -Street, with Annex at where the rural character is fast giving way to the onrushing 

Burnet Place, Springhurst. tide of population from Manhattan and the other boroughs, and 

No. 26 — ^Andrews and Burnside Avenues. \v;:rrants the assertion that before many decades the territory 

No. 27 — St. Ann's Avenue, between 147th and 148111 Streii-,, north of the Harlem River which has been described in the 

No. 28 — Tremont and Anthony Avenues, with ,'\nnex ai c-niier chapters of this history, will present a picture of a city 

1787 Weeks Avenue, Mt. Hope. with a population of one million inhabitants. 




U\W 111 Sli;ii, 

IIjT BBS S?5 J 



lis ill Jii \i 



%M 




i 



^ •■mm 

I! II i ! siij i;i 



Public School No. 2, Third Ave. near >70th Street 




Public School No. 33. Jcroine and Walton Avenues 



Oppoiil-e 5f Mary's Park 





^^> 



^Si^ 



LiM 

liiiS ill 



■ V 




Public School No. 6, Locust Avenue. West Farms 



Public School No. 27, St. Ann's Avenue, Opposite S^ Mary's Park 



CHAPTER XLVI 



TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES IN THE BRONX 



The Portchester Railroad Union Railway Company — New York City Interborough Railway — College Point 

Ferry 



The New York & Portcliester Railroad was organized in 
the spring of igoi. Under the Laws of the State of New York, 
the company was required to obtain the certificate of public 
convenience and necessity commonly known as the charter from 
the Railroad Commission of this State before it could proceed any 
further after its organization. The object in requiring the certih- 
cate of public convenience and necessity to be first obtained by any 
new railroad from the Railroad Commission is to prevent the 
indiscriminate promotion and construction of railways in 
the State of New York, and thereby protect not only existing 
meritorious railways, but the investing public as well. For this 




W, C. GOTSHALU 

reason the Railroad Commission, in the case of all applications 
for a charter, announce public hearings, at which the public con- 
\enience and necessity of the railroad are required to be 
shown. All interests in favor of the railroad are heard at these 
hearings, and, in addition, all interests opposed to its construc- 
tion are also heard. In addition to the determination of the public 
convenience and necessity of a proposed railroad, the applicant is 
required to demonstrate to the Railroad Commission that the pro- 
posed enterprise will be a commercial success ; in other words, the 
applicant is required to prove the amount of money which will 
lie necessary to construct and place the road in operation, and 
is also required to prove the gross and net earnings of the 
proposed enterprise. All of these proofs are given in open 



public hearings, and are subjected to the attacks of any interests 
opposing the proposed railroad. In the case of the New York i. 
Portchester Railroad, the president of the railroad, Mr. W. C. 
Gotshall, proved that the total cost of the road from I32d street 
in this borough to the Connecticut State line at Portchester, in- 
cluding a branch line from Bronx Park to Clason's Point, would 
be about $16,000,000. He also proved that the annual gross earn- 
ings of the railroad would be about $1,500,000, and the net 
earnings about $700,000. All these figures were given by him 
in the utmost detail, even including the number and cost of 
railroad spikes. At the close of the hearing, the opponents, 
consisting of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, 
the New Vork Central Railroad and the Union Railroad admitted 
the correctness of the figures. The public demand for the rail- 
road had been overwhelmingly demonstrated. The result of the 
hearings was that the Railroad Commission, in March, 1902, 
granted the Portchester Railroad its charter. The New Haven 
road subsequently, on purely legal grounds, contested the decision 
of the Railroad Commission by carrying the case through all the 
courts of this State to the court of last resort, that is, the Court 
of Appeals, with the result that the New Haven road was finally 
defeated in the Court of Appeals on the 23d of June, 1903. 

In addition to its charter the New York & Portchester 
F^ailroad Company has, as required by law, secured from the 
Common Councils of Mount Vernon and New Rochelle the 
fonual assent of those bodies to cross all the streets in the cities 
of Mount Vernon and New Rochelle which will be crossed by 
the line of its road. It has also secured from the Supreme Court, 
sitting at White Plains, Westchester County, the right to cross 
alxiut sixty additional streets in Westchester County which its 
line will cross, and, consequently, has all its required rights and 
franchises through the towns of Pelham, Larchmont, Mamar- 
oneck, Harrison, Rye, Portchester and the cities of Mount 
Vernon and New Rochelle. The last remaining link in the 
required chain consists in securing from the Board of Esti- 
mate and Apportionment of New York City the formal 
assent of that board to cross such streets of the Bronx as 
will be crossed by its road. The action of the Board 
of ."Mdermen heretofore in this matter is a most anomalous 
commentary on, first, the damage which such a body can inflict 
upon a community at times, and, second, upon the fact that a 
lot of Aldermen representing districts on the Island of Manhattan 
and in Brooklyn shoula have it in their power to delay improve- 
ments in the Borough of the Bronx, or any other boroughs in 
which they do not reside, and in which they have really no 
interest This fact was brought forcibly to the attention of the 
public of this borough, and largely through the efforts of its 
public-spirited citizens a law was enacted giving the franchise 
granting power to the Board of Estimate and Apportionment. 



m 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



The New York & Portchcslcr Railroad is designed as a 
high speed railroad, the tracks of which wiil be laid upnn a 
private right of way which will be the property of the railroad 
company, and which the railroad company will purchase. All 
public streets, avenues and highways along the line of the roan 
will be crossed either over or under the grades of such highwavi. 
and in such' manner as not to interfere with the use of the 
highways or streets by the public. .A.fter the formal assent of 
the Board of Estimate and Apportionment is obtained, the final 
fi.xing and determination of tlie crossings of the streets is a 



Hall, on M;uiliattan Island, New York City, a distance of thirty- 
five miles, in about one hour. Considered from the point of 
\icw of time occupied, this places the Bron.x and Westchester 
County, and the adjoining territory nearer to City Hall, New 
York, than 145th Street of Manhattan Island is to-day. A con- 
sideration of these facts will at once bring to mind the utmost 
importance to the entire public of the Borough of the Bronx and 
Westchester County of this enterprise. The road as now de- 
signed is pronounced by the leading railway men and experts 
evervwhere as the highest class of design and construction which 




One of the Proposed Bridges of the Portchcster Railroad 



matter with which the Railroad Commission of this State alone 
have to do. 

The road is designed as a four-track road from its southern 
terminus at the i-Iarlem River to Portchester, which is known 
as the main line. A two-track branch is to be run to Clason's 
Point connecting with the main line at Bronx Park. Throughout, 
the road will be equipped with the most modern block signal sys- 
tem, so designed and installed that even in the event of a motor- 
man or operator becoming incapacitated, for any reason, the train 
will be automatically brought to a stop upon reaching a danger 
signal. Tlie road will be operated electrically, and will use some 
modification of the third rail, like that now installed by the Rapid 
Transit Subway, and now installed on the Manhattan Elevated 
lines. 

The tracks of the railroad will connect with the tracks of 
the Rapid Transit Subway at 177th Street and Boston Post 
Road and .it Westchester .'\ venue and Southern Boulevard. The 



has ever appeared, and is recognized as the pioneer in high-sp'^ed 
and heavy electric traction design and development. 

The train units will consist of two, three, or more cars, as 
the service may require. Each car will be equipped with four 
motors, having a total capacity of about 1,000 horse power, which 
is equal to the power of the engine which now draws the Empire 
State Express. 

Two kinds of stations will be used, one known as express 
stations, and the other known as local stations. The local 
stations will be about half a mile apart, and the express stations 
will be about a mile and a half apart. The schedule speed of 
the express trains will be about forty miles an hour, and 
that of the local trains will be about twenty-six miles an hour 
The maximum speed of the express trains will be about sixty 
miles an hour, while that of the local trains will be about forty 
miles an hour. 

Where the railroad crosses a public street or highway, by 




St-jric of Cars to be Used o.-i Portchester Railroad 



designs for the cmmection at 177th Street have been approved by 
the Rapid Transit Commission, and the necessary terminal real 
estate for such connection has been purchased by the Portchester 
Railroad, and the necessary steel has also been ordered pur- 
chased and erected. The Portchester Railroad will also 
connect with the existing Manhattan Railroad, or with the 
proposed east side branch of the Subway at some point south of 
177th Street and near I32d Street. By this railroad, a passenger 
uill be enabled to travel from Portchester. New York, to the City 



passing over such street, the highway crossing wiil be made by 
erecting an arch composed of concrete and steel. These arches 
will be highly ornamental. No steel will be visible. The steel 
is simply inserted to stiffen the arch and the construction. The 
arch, when erected and finished, will have the appearance of a 
vast stone monolith, out of which has been cut a passage for the 
vehicular and other traffic. 

Where the street or highway is crossed by the tracks passing 
beneath the railroad, the crossing will be made by erecting steel 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



397 



columns and connecting them by steel arches and embedding 
all of the steel columns and arches in a fine cement mortar. The 
object of this is to eVer prevent the disintegration of any of the 
steel part of the structure. 

When the construction of this railroad is completed, it will 
be a structure which will stand practically forever, as it is 
nothing but a mass of earth and rock. The laying of the tracks 
on earth embankments and the use of the concrete crossings will 
make the road absolutely noiseless. 

It is apparent from this brief history of this railroad, that 
it will undoubtedly be the making of the eastern part of the 
Borough of the Bronx. It is also now more than ever apparent 
while this enterprise is called "the enterprise of the people," 
and why the puliiic are so determined that this railroad shall 
not be delayed or anything placed in the way of its iinmcdiate 
construction. 

This sketch would not be complete without a brief state- 
ment of some of the financiers who have guaranteed its con- 
struction and operation, under the terms of the franchise 
offered to the New York & Portchester Railroad by the Board 
of Estimate and Apportionment, and approved by said Board of 
Estimate on December 15, 1905. This group consists of Messrs 
Qiarles D. Barney & Company, of 25 Broad Street, New York 
City, and 122 South Fourth Street, Philadelphia. Charles D. 
isarney & Company have been recognized as one of the leading 
.'".merican financial institutions of this country for thirty-five 
years, and have financed eight or nine large railway enterprises, 
in addition to other power transmission projects; Edwin Gould, 
president of the Bowling Green Trust Company and vice-presi- 
dent of the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern, and the 
Missouri Pacific Railroads, and director in all the Gould railway 
systems. A. H. & D. H. Morris, of Morris Park, and New 
Orleans, etc. ; W. C. Gotshall, the president and chief engineer 
of the Portchester Railroad, and its originator and developer, 
and about whom the entire enterprise centres. 

These men have also announced themselves as bidders for 
the proposed Third Avenue Subway, and have stated to the 
Rapid Transit Commission that they will provide the funds for 
the construction of the Third Avenue Subway, and that they 
will connect that Subway with tlie Portchester Railroad at 138th 
Street and Southern Boulevard, and charge five cents for a con- 
tinuous ride from the Battery to the northern City line, a dis- 
tance of about sixteen miles. This will open up for development 
over 14,000 acres of now inaccessible farm land, located east of 
the Bron.x Riv^er, and will be a godsend to the east side tene- 
ment districts by giving them an immediate and cheap outlet to 
Manhattan Island as well as affording them the blessings of 
healthful homes for the workmen and their wives and children. 

These Portchester Railroad financial interests already own 
large tracts of land along the line of the proposed railroad, part 
of which will be used for development purposes. 



NEW YORK CITY INrERBOROUGH RAILWAY CO. 
Officers : 

ARTHUR TURNBULL President 

ANDREW FREEDMAN Vice President 

D. W. McWlLLIAMS Secretary and Treasurer 

Directors : 
.■\ndrew Fheedm.\n W.xlter G. 0.\k.m.\n Joru.sn J. Rollins 
VY. J. Fr.\nsioli R. M(ir.\ D.widson Arthi-r Tirniiui-l 

.-\lfred Skitt Cornelius Vanderbilt Robert C. Wood 

The New York City Interborough Railway Company was 
incorporated in 1902 to meet the demands and necessities of 
additional street railway transportation in the Borough of Bron.x. 



The development of the Bronx has been along the line of 
and adjacent to the Elevated Railroad and Subway Systems. 

In June, 1891, the Suburban Elevated was acquired by the 
Manhattan Elevated Railroad Company. A single fare was 
established. May 26, 1894, and through train service inaugu- 
rated September 24, 1896. 

The result of these improvements in traveling facilities was 
immediately shown in the large amount of building that took 
place on and adjacent to Third Avenue and the immediate neigh- 
borhood, which has become the most thickly settled section of 
the Bronx. That the same result will ensue from the comple- 
tion of the Subway lines is shown by the development that has 
already taken place along the viaduct extension of the Subway 
on Westchester Avenue and the Southern Boulevard. 

.'\round the Prospect Avenue Station of this branch of 
the Rapid Transit System, upward of seventy apartment houses 
have been constructed, which should accommodate at least 5,000 
people. j\ large number of flats have also been constructed 
around the Jackson Avenue Station, and speculation and build- 
ing is being pushed forward rapidly adjacent to the other sta- 
tions of this line. So extensive and so rapid has been the de- 
velopment of this section that there is now a distinctive Subway 
zone of flat-houses extending almost solidly from Third Avenue 
northeasterly along Westchester Avenue to Simpson Street, a 
distance of more than tw'enty-five blocks. This zone extends 
on both sides of Westchester Avenue, and building is also going 
on rapidly along the Southern Boulevard. Beyond Simpson 
Street, especially to the West, the whole Borough lying between 
the Subway and the existing Elevated line on Third Avenue, is 
being rapidly built up with flats. Very few stores or business 
buildings, comparatively speaking, have been or are being erect- 
ed in this new section. Almost all of these buildings are resi- 
dential structures, and the people will of necessity go to and 
from their employment in the Borough of Manhattan each day. 

Large sections of the Bronx zvill be deprived of rapid transit 
facilities unless street raikeay connections arc afforded. 

The Rapid Transit system extends up 149th Street, West- 
chester Avenue and the Southern Boulevard, to i8oth Street and 
Boston Road on the easterly side of the Bronx, and along Wash- 
ington Heights to Kingsbridge on the westerly side of Man- 
hattan. There is a long distance between these lines across 
the Bronx, which are also in turn separated by the Harlem River, 
and unless street railway connections are afforded for reaching 
the stations of this system, this intervening territory will be whol- 
ly shut off from rapid transit facilities. The entire west side of 
the Bronx north of 149th Street to the city line will be cut off 
and the middle section of the Borough, through which the Grand 
Boulevard and Concourse is at present being constructed, and 
where a large amount of territory by the opening of new 
streets is being developed, will be likewise isolated unless these 
additional street railway facilities are furnished. When this 
territory has been rendered accessible and built up, the people 
who settle there will also desire to go to and from their business 
in the Borough of Manhattan each day. 

The vast majority of pehple who settle in the Bronx are 
employed in Manhattan, and travel daily to and fro. 

This fact is shown very clearly and emphatically by the 
following statement of the number of passengers carried on the 
suburban branch of the Manhattan Elevated Railroad Company, 
north of the Harlem River, for the fiscal years ending June 30th, 
from 1890 to 1905, inclusive, viz.: 



398 HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 

Number of passengers carried 1890 4,141,216 Manhattan "L" Station, 198th Street and Webster Avenue, 

" " " 1891 4,488,319 one block distant. 

" " " " 1892 6,551,628 Manhattan "L" Station, Fordham Square, Pelham and 

1893 5,867,848 Third Avenues. 

" " " " 1894 4,650,615 Manhattan "L" Station, Wendover and Third Avenues. 

" " " " 1895 16,609,298 Subway Station, i8oth Street and Boston Road. 

" " " " 1896 19,780,004 Subway Station, 177th Street, West Farms Square and 

" " 1897 21,780,398 Boston Road. 

" " " '• 1898 24,572,976 Subway Station, Freeman Street and Southern Boulevard, 

" '• " 1899 29,309,714 one block distant. 

■' " " " 1900 34,844,572 Manhattan "L" Station, i68th Street and Third Avenue., one 

" " " " 1901 38,465,598 block distant. 

•' " " " 1902 ; 44,488,628 Manhattan "L" Station, i6ist Street and Third Avenue, one 

" " " " 1903 53,105,150 block distant. 

" " " " 1904 59,914,678 Subway Station, Longwood and Prospect Avenues. 

" " " " 1905 61,029,558 Manhattan "L" Station, 156th Street and Third Avenue. 

It can thus be clearly seen that the rapid and phenomenal Manhattan "L" and Subway joint Station, 149th Street and 

increase in population in the Bronx is composed of people who Third Avenue. 

daily travel to and from Manhattan. There are few people The Interborough Street Raihvay ivill offer a transfer at 

who live in the Bronx and travel to and from their business to a reduced rate to the Rapid Transit System, both subivay and 

Yonkers, Mt. Vernon and other small outlying towns. Land is Elevated divisions, at the above mentioned stations. 
cheaper and rents are lower in these small communities than With the payment of an additional three cents, passengers 

in the Bron.x, and it is, therefore, self-evident that people doing will be enabled to travel on all parts of the Manhattan Elevated 

business in these adjacent cities naturally live within their pre- and the Subway systems. 

cincts. Tlie Interborough Street Railzvay zvill afford street railway 

A large part of the Bronx is not accessible to the Rapid facilities to a large amount W/ territory now ivholly devoid of 

Transit System either directly or thihugh any connection with such accommodations. 

the Union Railway, vis., the westerly and central portions and Its lines will reach and thoroughly serve portions of the 

the extreme easterly part of the Borough. Bronx not reached at present by street railway lines and will 

The Boroughs of Manhattan and Bron.x are connected by thus open a large amount of new territory to the rapid transit 

si.x, and when the new University Heights Bridge is completed, stations. 

by seven bridges used for public traffic, viz., Willis Avenue On the westerly side of the Borough by its cross-town lines 

Bridge, Third Avenue Bridge, Madison Avenue Bridge, Lenox connecting with the Rapid Transit System over the various 

Avenue Bridge, Macomb's Dam Bridge, Washington Bridge, bridges of the Flarlem River, people in that vicinity will be able 

University Heights Bridge, (now under course of construction). to reach the lower part of Manhattan considerably quicker than 

There are street railway tracks on but three of these struc- at the present time. 
lures. In the central portion of the Bron.x where the Grand Boule- 

There is but one through cross-town line in the Bronx to- vard and Concourse is at present being constructed, and where 

day, and that is only at the extreme southerly portion and the a large number of transverse streets will soon be built, a territory 

narrowest part of the Bron.x, a territory with an area of forty- that has hitherto been farm land will shortly be opened up to 

two square miles. development. The Interborough Street Railway lines will cross 

The Nezv York City Interborough Railzvay Company lias this section in four places, and thus supply very necessary street 

Transit System, vie the westerly and central portions and the railway facilities. 

extreme easterly part of tlie Borough. In the easterly section of the Bronx to the east of the 

By its present lines, which are rapidly being constructed, Bronx River, the East 177th Street line of the Interborough 

and with its new routes for which application has been made. Street Railway will furnish a direct connection along the princi- 

ihis street railway system will: pal street of that territory to the Rapid Transit station at 177th 

(i) Furnish routes to a large number of Subway and Street and West Farms Square. Th,e people of Westchester, 

Elevated Stations on the west side of both Manhattan and the Unionport and Throgg's Neck will thus be afforded a direct 

Bronx, viz.: line of communication along West Farms Road to Westchester 

Subway Station, 145th Street and Lenox Avenue, Man- Village. East 177th Street will be the principal thoroughfare 

hattan. of that locality. 

Subway Station, Mott Avenue and 149th Street, Bronx. In the Hunt's Point section, a territory immediately adjacent 

Manhattan "L" Station, iSSth Street and Eighth Avenue to the section where a large number of flats have been construct- 

Viaduct, Manhattan. ed, and which promises to be one of the most thickly settled 

Subway Station, lS7th Street and Broadway, Manhattan. portions of the Bronx, the Interborough Street Railway lines 

Subway Station, i8ist Street and Eleventh Avenue, Man- will furnish the only transportation facilities. By the Hunt's 

hattan. Point and Randall Avenue lines of the Interborough System, this 

Subway Station, 207th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, Man- territory will be brought within a few minutes' ride of the Rapid 

hattan. Transit stations at Prospect Avenue and 149th Street and Third 

Subway and New York Central Railroad joint station, 225th Avenue. 

.Street and Broadway, Manhattan. The^ Interborough Street Railway System with its present 

Subway Station, 238th Street and Broadway, Bronx. routes, and those for which application has been made, will have 

In the centre and east side of the Bronx, the Interborough five cross-town lines running on the westerly side of the Borough 

Street Railway lines will reach the following stations : from the various rapid transit and elevated stations, and these 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



399 



five in turn will connect with three cross-town lines on the 
easterly side of the Bronx, making three through routes across 
the Bronx. 

The Intcrboroiigh Strict Railway mill furnish connections 
betivcen Manhattan and the Brhnx across four bridges and the 
Muscoota Street viaduct. 

By its street railway lines on ihe 149th Street, Macomb's 
Dam, WasI)ington and 207th Street Bridges and Muscoota Street 
Viaduct, tlie Interborough Street Railway will furnish connec- 
tions across all bridges betueen the west side of the Bronx and 
the Borough of Manhattan. 

These street railway lines will bring the western and central 
portions of the Bronx, a territory hitherto without transportation 
facilities, in direct touch with and furnish transfers at a reduced 
rate to the Rapid Transit System. 

The New York City Interborough Railway Company in 
short offers facilities and advantages to the people of the Bronx 
made necessary by the extraordinary development of this Bor- 
ough during the past decade. 

WILLI.^M J. FRANSIOLL— Among the men of public 
affairs who have rapidly forged to the front the subject of this 
sketch may be numbered. Born in Brooklyn, N. Y., on September 
,TO. 1866, educated in tlie public school and in St. Peter's Acad- 
emy, and graduated in 1882, he entered the service of the 
Manhattan Elevated system and ere long was advanced to the 
position of general manager. Through his persistency the people 
of the Borough of the Bronx owe the fact that the system has 
been extended to its present terminus. He early foresaw the 
advantage that would be derived by the company by pushing its 




WM. J. FRANSIOU 

lines up into the then practically undeveloped territory, wliich 
soon lost its ruralness by improvement in transportation con- 
ditions. Mr. Fransioli resigned his position with the elevated 
railroads to become associated with Mr. Croker and others in 
the New York Auto-Truck Company, and later became identified 
with the Interborough City Railway Company which is now 
laying out cross-town lines to bring all parts of the borough in 
communication with the main lines of transportation running 
north and south through Manhattan and the Bronx. Mr. Fran- 
sioli was a resident of the Bronx for a period of five years, 



but is now domiciled in Manhattan. In politics he is a Democrat, 
but has never held political office. He has found time among 
his multifarious business cares to attach himself to the Demo- 
cratic Club, the Fordham Club, the Transportation and Railroad 
Club, and the Jeft'erson Club. In April, 1889, he was married 
to Miss Mary .A.nastasia Fannon, of Brooklyn, N. Y., the issue 
being two daughters, Albina and Josephine. 

CHARLES H. BEATCHER, general superintendent of the 
two ferries of the New York and College Point Ferry Co., foot 
of 134th Street, Port Morris, was born February 20, 1858, in 
Rondout, N. Y., and there received a public school education. 
His early experiences were severe. As a youth working for $8 
a month and board, he sent $6 home. He struggled on, how- 
ever, and at leigtii achieved a comfortable livelihood and eventu- 
ally that large measure of success which his strenuous efforts 
deserved. He came to New York City at 16, and was at fir,st 




CHARLES H. BEATCHER 

employed for eight years by the old Madison Avenue road. 
From that he went, as assistant manager, to the Steinway Rail- 
road and in 1S90 to the ferry company with which he is at pres- 
ent. His position here was ticket agent at first, but in 1896 he 
was placed in charge. His work in this capacity fully justifies 
his appointment. He has built up the business and greatly im- 
proved the company's facilities. He has laid out new routes, 
built new docks and slips and repair shops ; in fact, inaugurated 
a new system. Under him the North Beach route was started. 
The company now has a fleet of five boats, all of which are 
double deckers, rated among the largest in the harbor, and two 
are entirely new. He has under him altogether a force of about 
eighty hands. Mr. Eeatcher married in 1879, but has no children. 
Politically he is an Independent Democrat. He is a member of 
St. James Lutheran Church, but not of any clubs or organiza- 
tions, preferring rather to spend his leisure at home. 

THE NEW YORK & COLLEGE POINT FERRY COM- 
PANY was estabhshed in 1887. The equipment consisted of 
one single deck boat and two very primitive ferry slips, one at 
each terminal, New York, foot of East Ninety-ninth Street and 
College Point, foot of Third Avenue. In 1890 the control 
passed into the hands of the present company, which immediately 



400 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



improved the boat service, by buying additional double decked 
boats, as well as increasing the terminal facilities. The boats 
were permitted to make landings at the then already very popu- 
lar summer resort, "North Beach." In order to give the Long 
Island residents still better facilities all the year around, a 
market for farm products was established at I02d and 103d 
Streets, First Avenue and the East River (The Harlem 
Market). The farmers immediately availed themselves of this 
new opportunity by using the ferry almost exclusively, in order 
to avoid a long drive to the old downtown markets. Recog- 
nizing th egreat and important role the Bronx was sure to 
play on the East Side of New York City, a new ferry was estab- 
lished at 134th Street in 1902, which immediately became very 
popular. The heautiful. ta.'tily and practically arranged ferrv 




College Point Ferry Boat 

house became tlie talk of the whole Borough of the Broiix, and 
now especially on a fine summer day, it is a great sight to see 
the throngs go over the ferry to North Beach. Until now 
they could only see the beautiful shores of Long Island from the 
distance, or wonder at the marvellous display of electric lights 
in the evening. Now all at once they can reach North Beach 
within fifteen minutes on large, safe and well kept boats, re- 
turning late at night highly satisfied with their day's outing. 
The company now owns five large double decked ferryboats 
plying between Ninety-ninth Street, 134th Street, North Beach 
and College Point, thereby enabling all wlio w^ish to visit North 
Beach, or use the ferry for business purposes, a quick and 
satisfactory trip across the beautiful waters between the New 
York shore and the Long Island wooded hills. 

THE UNION RAILWAY.— One of the greatest factors in 
the development of the Bronx was the conversion of the an- 
tiquated horse railroad that made doubtful trips from Harlem 
Bridge to Fordham into an electric line. Ex-Mayor Edward 
A. Maher, of Albany, was quick to perceive the lucrative field 
that presented itself in the Bronx, and soon organized the foun 
dation of the system which at once minimized the difficulty of 
reaching the various sections of the borough. The Union Rail 
way, of which he is the president, has had much to contend with 
before the various lines acquired the present acceptable servi'-e. 
The vast amount of sub-construction that succeeded the installa- 
tion of its various branches consequent upon the conversion of 
waste places into thriving and bristling communities resultant 
from imiproved methods of transportation, made various inroads 
upon the profits of the enterprise, in many instances sufficient 
to dishearten less sanguine men than President Maher. As the 



population of the territory augmented, the tentacles of this cor- 
])oration reached out and extended its service to meet the new 
conditions that were constantly arising. The single track service 
had gradually given way to double tracks to meet the increased 
requirements of the public, new extensions were added until 
nearly every portion of the territory, where the park system did 
not interfere, was soon brought into communication with the 
more populous portions. Lines to the north of the Bronoc River 
were soon instituted, in many instances under adverse circum- 
stances, companies having an existence only on paper having to 
be acquired in order to form a part of what is now the Union 
Railway of to-day. Soon lines in Westchester County were 
acquired, by lease or purchase, and the network of tracks spread 




Office of Union Railway Company at t28tli Street near Tfiird Avenue 

in all directions into the adjacent country. The wisdom of this 
movement on the part of President Maher has been shown by 
the large traffic which the company handles each day. These 
e-xtensions have made serious inroads upon the volume of pas- 
senger traffic on the Plarlem Railroad, and has necessitated the 
installation of electrification to counteract the inroads upon its 
revenue. The charge of ten cents from 128th Street to White 
Plains, the county seat of Westchester County, as compared 
with a fare of forty cents on the steam road, has had a two-fold 
result, viz. ; The conversion of many of the old famis into 
villages and the enhancement of real estate values to a figure 
that was not dreamed possible of attaimnent before the institu- 
tion of this system of transportation. The writer well remem 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



40J 



hers the opposition that was manifested hy some nt the "moss- 
liacks" vvlio opposed the construction of the line nortli of Monnt 
Vernon, who feared that trade would be diverted from local 
merchants. Yet statistics proved tliat the number of business 
places has greatl)- increased, and store-keepers wlin feared ruin 
staring them in the faces, are doing more business to-day than 
previous to the advent of the trolley. The blessing conferred 
on the communities through which the various lines pass has 
been exemplified in the case of the numicipality to the north, 
which had become stagnated under the monopoly of the .New 
York and New Haven Railroad. The five-cent fare from Mount 
Vernon to Harlem Bridge was eagerly availed of by the resi- 
dents of that city, who had been paying forty cents for a trip 
on the New Haven trains at uncertain intervals. The trolleys 
have been a wonderful aid in the development of the borough 
in giving the people of Manhattan a better knowledge of the 
unrivalled beauties of its park system. Yet even this convenience 
of communication is seriously handicapped by a mawkish sen- 
timent that excludes trolley line.s from Pelham .Xvcnue, between 



"I'hird .'\venue and Pi-lh.MU I'.ay Park, while ,-iut(imobiles are 
permiitted to monopohze, if we may be permitted to use the 
phrase, this highway of tlie people. This hardship is also felt 
on the Eastern Boulevard, whereby the masses are barred from 
the full enjoyment of this unmiatchable seaside park. But the 
sentiment among the masses for the full enjoyment of the 
park system will yet result in thi.s prohibition being set aside, 
and those who cannot afford their horse and carriage, or an 
auto, placed upon the same equality in the matter of reaching 
these public breathing places as their more fortunate fellow men. 
The Bronx is too cosmopolitan to permit the continuance of thiv 
class distinction for any length of time, and the breaking down 
of the present barrier may be anticipated at no distant daj'. 
The absorption by the Union Railway of connecting trolley lines 
has had a most beneficial and stimulating effect upon the com- 
munities through which they pass, as can be seen from the 
numerous homes that have been erected by thrifty mechanirs 
and artisans away from the turmoil and noise of trade, and the 
great city's activities. 





Thirty-Seventh Precinct Police Station. Bathgate Avenue near 1 77th Street 



Webb Academy, Sedgwick Avenue, Morris Heights 



402 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



CHARLES DAVID STEURER.— The subject of this 
sketch was born in what is now ifud Street in Bronx Borough, 
the City of New York, October i8, 1859. In his youth he early 
manifested those characteristics which led to success in after 
years — enthusiastic, persistent uprightness of life, moral courage 
in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles and a wonder- 
ful mastery of detail. His education at the Public School "Old 
60," of which J. D. Hyatt was principal, was abruptly cut short 
by the untimely death of his respected sire, and just as he was 
about to graduate from school he was forced to go to work. 
His first employment was in a printing office, that aptly denom- 
inated school of all schools, and by assiduity and close attention 
to his work, and filled with the determination to become his own 
boss, at an early age he applied himself so diligently to his 
duties that he soon speedily won the confidence and respect 
of his employer, whose meagre facilities spurred him on to make 
his mark. Fate or destiny led him to "Newspaper Row," where 




CHARLES DAVID STEUREP 

after many rebulTs that would have discouraged one of a less 
sanguine temperament he secured employment with the old 
firm of Wynkoop & Hallenbeck, in Fulton Street, at which he 
finished his apprenticeship. His faithfulness and earnest purpose 
to make his mark attracted the attention of his employers, and 
when "Wild Oats." a comic paper, purchased its own plant, lie 
was induced to accept a position there, when at the age of 
eighteen, by his fidelity, he was promoted to the responsible 
position of proofreader, holding the same until the publication 
went out of existence. He soon thereafter was numbered among 
the employees of John Polhemus. another of New York's well 
known printers, and soon had the confidence of his employer, 
who, in response to the inquiry of the publishers of Thompson's 
"Bank Note Reporter" for a capable young man to take charge 
of their plant, picked out the subject of this sketch for the 



position. That this selection was not a mistaken one was soon 
apparent in the typographical appearance of the publication, 
;he evolving of :i system that was before lacking,- owing to the 
absence of executive ability. In 1S84 the establishment was 
destroyed by fire, and it then devolved upon the young man to 
superintend the rebuilding of the plant. But the strain was 
too much for the owner, and in 1885 Mr, Steurer, in conjunction 
with another, purchased the business. Ills long dream of 
becoming a boss printer and publisher was fulfilled, and thus 
the foundaiion of the establishment of Stumpf & Steurer, but 
now known as the Steurer Publishing Company, was laid. From 
business policy it was decided to change the names of the old 
publications, and the directory of financial institutions appeared 
under the name of the "American Bank Reporter," and t!ie 
weekly financial journal made its appearance under the title of 
ihe "American Banker," Mr. Steurer undertook the business 
management of the new firm, and his complete and easy mastery 
of detail stood him well, as is evidenced by the prosperity which 
attended the venture. In 1887 "Underwood's Bank Reporter" 
was consolidated with the "American Bank Reporter," and 
"Underwood's Counterfeit Reporter" also added to their publi- 
cations, the latter retaining its name and still being published 
as a separate journal. Later the "Financial Examiner" and 
"Ijamberger's Legal Directory" were merged with the Ameri- 
can Bank Reporter.' In 1892 the progress! veness of the firm 
resulted in the publication of the "American Lawyer," which 
occupies a field that hitherto had been neglected. Residing in 
ihe Bronx, Mr. Steurer perceived an excellent field for the 
development of the business of the concern, and in April, 1897, 
the "North Side News" made its appearance, with the motto 
"Ihe Bronx, First, Last and Always." The success which 
attended it from the beginning demonstrated that he had not 
miscalculated the possibilities of the borough, and shortly after 
it was decided to remove the entire plant, which was done a^ 
soon as the building at 149th Street and Bergen Avenue was 
completed. Here again success attended the venture, and a 
daily issue of the paper soon became a necessity. In 1905 Mr. 
Steurer became proprietor and founded the Steurer Pulilishing 
Company, and it can be truthfully said that no one individual 
in the Bronx has done more to advance its interests and bring 
the borough to the front than he. Despite the cares of the vast 
concern o\er which he presides he finds time to mingle in tlie 
social and business life of the borough, and is a member of the 
.\'orth Side Board of Trade, the Jefferson Club, the Improve- 
ment League of the Forty-fourth Aldcrmanic District, Bronx- 
wood Park Improvement Association, Director of the Eureka 
Co-Operative Savings and Loan Association, Director of the 
Philanthropin Hospital at 'Williamsbridge, Director of the 
Young Men's Christian Association at Williamsbridge, Director 
of T. C. Welch Company, member of Gavel Lodge No. 70.7. 
F. and A. M., a Knight of St. John and Malta, Superintendent 
of Olin M. E. Sunday School at Williani.sbridge. for ten years 
was President of the Board of Trustees of Elton Avenue M. F. 
Church, for six years President of the Bronx Sunday School 
.Association, and is identified with other societies that tend to 
the development of the community. In 1883 Mr. Steurer was 
married to Anna Marie Kapp, of Mount Vernon. Seven 
children, Hattie Victoria, Charles David, Jr., Florence Elizabeth. 
Edna Irene, Elsie Maud, Alice Emma Clarita and Ralph have 
been born to the couple, Mr, Steurer resides at Bronxwood 
Park, Williamsbridge. in a handsome residence, where, sur- 
rounded by his interesting family he frees himself of business 
cares in their companionship. His success in all that he has 
undertaken has been the result of a determination to apply his 
best efforts toward reaching the top when once the die is cast 



CHAPTER XLVII 



THE STEURER PUBLISHING COMPANY AND THE "NORTH SIDE NEWS.' 



A Great Printing House Occupying Six Floors Located in the Business Center of the Bronx 



It is with modesty that we chronicle our success, but as wc 
have been so closely identified with the growth of Bronx bor- 
ough, we may be excused for feeling somewhat elated at the 
result of our labors. 

When we decided to move the plant of the "North Side 




"North Sidtf News" BLiildin>>;, 149th Street and Bergen Avenue 

News" from Manhattan to the Bronx many were the prophecies 
of disaster that would be certain to follow such a step. 

The nucleus of our present establishment was originated 
nearly seventy years ago, in "Thompson's Bank Reporter," which 
had an excellent field before the institution of the National 
Bank Act resultant upon the Civil War. The epidemic of ''wild- 
cat" banks which afflicted the country at that time made such a 
publication highly necessary in order to protect the business 
men against the unceasing Hood of dotd)tful notes that w-ere 
issued by irresponsible banks and which issues were largely 
supplemented by worthless imitations of the then prevailing 
currency. In 1885, Messrs. .•\nlhony Stvmipf and Charles D. 
Steurer formed a p,irtnershi|) and purchased "Thompson's Bank 
Reporter," which is still fresh in the minds of many of the elder 



business men, togetlier with its supplement, a pamphlet bank 
directory. In 18S6 the business was extended by the publicatioa 
of "Underwood's Counterfeit Reporter." In 1888, "Bamberger'? 
Legal Directory of Philadelphia" was added to the firm's pub- 
lications, and the same year the "Financial Examiner" was also 
absorbed. These publications were consolidated under the name of 
"The American Banker" and enlarged from sixteen pages to 
forty-eight, and the "American Bank Reporter," a complete 
lecord of every bank in the United States and its possessions, 
and Canada, was enlarged from a pamphlet of 128 pages to a 
cloth-bound volume of nearly 2,000 pages at present, issued semi- 
annually, with a special desk edition in April and October. 
In 1893 another publication was brought into existence, "The 
American Lawyer." It is a monthly devoted to the interests 
(rf the legal fraternity. The ye<ar 1896 saw another successful 
venture. "The Daily Bond News." This is a paper of neces- 
sarily limited circulation. In size it is not quite one-quarter 
as large as the "Daily North Side News," and its subscription 
price is $84 a year. It gives every day full information con- 




Portion of Library Room 

cerning issues of bonds by municipalities, and furnishes bankers 
and bond dealers with information they could obtain only by 
employing two or three extra clerks and paying large telegraph 
lolls. The "North Side News" was horn on April 4, 1897. 
From its very beginning the people of the Bronx have given 




HEADS OF VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS OF THE " NORTH SIDE NEWS. 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



405 



it a hearty and loyal support. Every evidence of good will and 
other encouragements received from the public acted as stim- 
ulants to the maragement to more than deserve the favor which 
had been won. Originally an eight-page paper, of forty columns, 
sixteen and one-half inches long, it has successively increased 
in size until now the weekly, or Sunday, issue is a sixteen-page, 
seven column paper, with columns twenty-two inches in length, 
and a four-page colored comic supplement. 

Perceiving the advantage it would be to have all our 




Clerks Busy in the Compiling Room 

plant consolidated under one roof, and not scattered, as it 
had been heretofore, we selected the site of our present quar- 
ters at 149th Street and Bergen Avenue, just at the time when 
the foundations were being laid for a flat house by architect and 
builder Albert Rothermel. The requirements of the plant in 
prospective necessitated the reconstruction of the foundations 
of the present edifice, and in August, 1900, our entire force was 
gathered together into the five-story and basement handson.e 
edifice which now graces that neighborhood. 

At first part of the building was rented out to other 
tenants, but the increasing requirements of the business ncces- 
fitated our using the entire edifice, which at present is ahnost 
insufficient for our needs. 

The acute demand for a daily issue of the "North Side 
News" was so intense that on October i, igo2, the first issue 
of the "Daily North Side News" was begun as a four-pagv 
seven-colunm paper, but we repeatedly issue an eight-page edition, 
while the regular issue is now a six-page edition. 

In the basement are located our large presses, comprising 
a Campbell niultipress, which prints both side of a paper at 
one impression from a roll, for the requirements of the "North 
.Side News," while two largest size new Century and one 
Cottrell book presses are in constant use for our other pub- 
lications, a "pony" press for large job work, a 35-horse-power 
gas engine, dynanuos, electric motors on all presses, and steam 
iieating plant. 

The first floor is used for offices and stock room for the 
immense quantities of paper needed. 

The second floor is used for the main olfices. filing room 
and an army of compilers. 

The third fltKir is devoted to the editorial staff of the various- 
publications, and a large reference library. 

On the fourth floor is located a battery of Mergenthaler 
linotype machines, job presses, folding and cutting machines, 
and that important functionary, the proofreader and his assistant. 



The fifth floor is occupied as the composing and job room, 
stocked with an enormous quantity of job type to meet the ever 
increasing demands upon our facilities for turning out anything 
in the shape of printed matter from the smallest label to a 
mammoth poster. 

To-day, the 'North Side News" owes it success to the 
cordial support tendered us by the people of the borough whom 
we have endeavored to serve in a fearless and honest manner, 
and by strict adherence to the determination which actuated 
us when we embarked upon our enterprise in the Bronx, we 
hope to merit the continued good will of our neighbors. 

The "North Side News" has proven a potential factor in the 
ilevelopment of the borough, and its efforts have been rewarded 
with success. Among the various public matters in which it has 
laken a conspicuous part has been the following: 

Urging the extension of the rapid transit system north of 
ihe Harlem River into the Ijronx ; 

The laying out of the route thereof through 149th Street 
instead of its divergence up Third Avenue to Westchester Ave- 
nue, and the elimination of two sharp curves at 149th and isoth 
Streets; 

The starting and carrying out of the movement to equip 
Lebanon Hospital with a complete amfliulance outfit; 

Raising money which resulted in materially enlarging the 
number of wards in the hospital ; 

Urging the construction of the Harlem Ship Canal as the 
proper solution of relieving the congested commercial conditions 
that now prevail at the lower portion of Manhattan; 

The persistent demand for the improvement of the Bronx 
Kills so as to derive the benefits that will accrue to the borough 
from the barge canal authorized by the Legislature, and thus 
shortening the distance from the inland commercial centers to 
the coast ports ; 

Demanding and securing the establishment of a court bnus_ 
in the Bronx, which is now in course of construction; 

Insisting upon the erection of the borough into a separate 
county, with all the benefits that would accrue therefrom 




View of Folding and Stitching Room 

Continually urging every pulilic improvement Ihal wcitild con- 
duce lo the growth nf ilie borough; 

Demanding .-il all times that home rule should be given the 
Bronx in its fullest sense, believing that its residents are better 
qualified to jud.^e of the needs of the community than arc 
outsiders ; 

Demanding from the general government better postal facil- 
ities and the institution of a central distributing station in the 
Bronx, and which now bids fair soon to be realized; 




MEMBERS OF THE EDITORIAL AND BUSINESS STAFFS OF THE "NORTH SIDE NEWS." 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



407 



Waging an nnccasing fight for the constrnclion of llic New 
York and Portchester Railway as the means whereliy the upper 
eastern portion of the borough might he brought in toncli uilli 
the heart of the business centers and tluis be developed; 

Insisting upon the establishment of a public market within 
the borough, which has been happily realized through the estab- 
lishment of the College Point ferry, thus bringing the producers 
of Long Island in close touch with the vast army of consumer-; 
in the Bronx ; 

Continually demanding improvement in the educational facil 
ities of the borough, which resulted in the establishment of the 
high school on Boston Road. Its long and persistent struggle 
to have it designated the Morris High School was crowned wi'h 
ultimate success. 

Among others of its victories g:iincd for the community \\e 
may be pardoned for alluding to the signal victory that was 
gained by it in the elimination of the garbage incinerating plant 
that was sought to become a permanent fixture in the 
community. 

In the matter of political affairs the "North Side News" ha^ 
unalterably stood in favor of good government, and what its 
record has been in the past it will continue in the future. 

In truth, it might be said that the "North Side News" in 
matters pertaining to the prosperity of the borough, has always 
been found in the lead, and it is with no little gratification and 



pleasure that we here allude to the victories it has accomplislied 
in matters pertaining to the general welfare of the section with 
which it has linked its fortunes. 

In the illustration shown one has hut a faint idea of the 
vast amoimt of paper required for the "North Side News." The 
rolls of paper show the requirements of the magnificent machine 
— a modern flat bed Web press — located in the basement. This 
machine prints from rolls of paper seventy inches in width and 
weighing three-quarters of a ton. It prints an eight-page paper 
of the size of the "North Side News" at the rate of 6.000 copies 
an hour, both sides at one impression, each paper being deliv- 
ered from the press neatly folded. 

■J he job printing department of the "North Side News" is 
the largest and most complete in the Pironx, and everything is 
printed, from a small business card to a mammoth poster, or a 
couiplete book. It may be interesting to know that this entire 
work was printed here 

The location of this plant at 149th Street and Bergen 
Avenue has been followed by the erection of other creditable 
buildings, and the conversion of 149th Street into the centre 
of business and financial activity that was not thought possible 
of attaining by the more conservative. 

On May 2, 1905, Mr. Charles D. Steurcr purchased the 
interests of his partner. Mr. Anthony Stumpf, and formed the 
Steurer Publishing Company, under which name he now con- 
ducts the business. 







Cirload ot Paper Being Delivered tor the "North Side News" 





Getting Rc.idv to Print on the Multipress 



On*: of Our Cylinder Presses 




cJj'^L!^I^C^^^^S^^^SSvXF^C^:;BSS5EE5S^^S^SSS^3T'5EnZ!^^ 



Multipress on which the "North Side News" is Printed 





View of Job Department 



The Linotype Room 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



409 



PATRICK HENRY CLUNE.— The subject of this sketch, 
one of our most popular and successful young lawyers, was born 
in this city March 5, 1876, and lived m Manhattan until his twen- 
tieth year, wiien he came to the Bronx, where he has since 
resided. He was graduated from our public schools, passing 
also, the entrance e>Damination to the City College. Hoiwever, 
his college education was had at St. Francis Xavier's, this city, 
from which he received the degrees of A. B., A. M. and Ph. B. 
His university and professional studies were pursued at New 
\ork University, Irom which lie was graduated in 1897 ^s an 
LL.B., later receiving the degree ol iviaslcr of Laws, bhurtly 
thereafter he was acliiiilled to the Bar. His career 111 sclioo], 
college and university was exceptionally brilliant and jubtihed 
tne piCQictioiis ot great success in atcer lue, tnat nave been more 
than realized, he was ever a recognized leader among tne 
stuaents. as an elocutionist and aeoater he Had and lias tew 
equals, and as a general scholar was tar above the ordinary, 
his strong points being Jinglish, history, matUemiatics and lan- 
guages. He now speaks huemly Spanisli, Italian, I'reiich and 
oermaii and still reads Latin and Greek extensively. He is also 
an expert telegrapher and stenographer. He was one of the 
best all-around athletes at college, and possesses many beautiful 
trophies for his prowess on track, cinder path and field. He is 
unquestionably one of the strongest long-distance and endurance 
.'iwinimers in the j-ironx to-day, also one of the best scullers uii 
tne Harlem River and an ardent supporter of the plan to build 
a National regatta course at Pelham Bay. l^'or years he v.as 
honorary instructor in gymnastics at De La Salle Institute. He 
thus built up a seemingly indestructible and invulnerable con- 
stitution which is serving him well in the strenuous life of 
activity and success he now leads. Caming from a family of 
:;oldiers, he naturally acquired the military spirit instilled by the 
urills at college, and immediately on the declaration of the late 
war he enlisted in Flanagan's Light Battery, recruiting at tlie 
Seventy-first Regiment Armory, but much to his disappointment 
saw no active service. He is now Second Lieutenant in the 
■'Gallant Sixty-ninth" Regiment, is one of the most popular 
men in the command, an excellent tactician and one of the few 
who have earned the title of "distinguished expert," the highest 
in markmaiiship. For the past ten years he has been connected 
with the Free Lecture System of our great Educational Depart- 
ment, both as a lecturer and supervising and criticising inspector, 
and is an enthusiast on adult education and a close observer and 
student of educational matters generally. Professionally, he i.= 
in the front rank, for his knowledge of the law is thorough and 
his training and e:- perience have been varied and comprehensive. 
He studied in and subsequently became connected with the 
office of Guggenheimer, Untermyer & JVIarshall, one of the largest 
and best in the country, where, in the drawing of pleadings and 
papers, attendance to preliminary court work, preparation of cas"s 
for trial and on appeal, trying of cases and arguing of motions 
and appeals he became very familiar in a practical way with all 
branches of the lav.'. His exceptional ability so impressed the 
firm that he was placed second in charge of its real estate and 
Surrogate's Court departments, where, in the examination of 
titles, the conduct of foreclosures, partition, infancy, lunacy, con- 
demnation, street opening and other proceedings incidental to 
real estate law, he became an acknowledged expert, as likewise 
in Surrogate's Court work, in the drawing of wills, managing 
of immense estates, both in their institution, conduct and settle- 
ment, going through almost every form of proceeding cognizable 
by said court. He aiso handled the partnership business and the 
details of the formation, conduct and dissolution of the cor- 
poration work of that office, and knows these branches thor- 
oughly. On his entering practice for himself success came 



quickly, for his reputation had been fully established and had 
gone before him. His clients included not only individuals and 
corporations, but also many of his fellow lawyers, who retained 
him as special, consulting or advisory counsel in important and 
difficult cases. As a practitioner, for a while, at the criminal 
bar, with his eloquence, knowledge of mankind and its ways 
and remarkable abilily as a cross-examiner, he was a pronounced 
success. But his tendencies were towards a broader, deeper, 
higher plane, and he determined to further develop his specialties 
by special courses, individual study and practice. For two years 
lie was one of the learned staff of the Westchester & Bronx Title 
and Mortgage Guarantee Company, at White Plains, where he 
became familiar with tlie many intricacies of country title work, 
and is one 01 the best informed lawyers in regard to Westchester 
County now in the Bronx. He has also for years been one of 
the expert examining counsel of the Title Guarantee and Trust 
Company, Manhattan. He likewise has, and still performs, con- 
siaerable special services for the various title companies in 
Brooklyn, and is familiar with the farm and later titles in that 
section. He has further handled much expert work, etc., in 
Kings, Queens, Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland, Orange, Putnam and 
Dutchess Counties in this State, and in nearby States, and work 
involving the title to and development of gold, silver and copper 
mines in the West. He has furthermore been often retained by 
'.he city in connection with the watershed development. As a 
resident of the Bronx, he has made a thorough study of real 
estate valuations therein, and is familiar with the various actual 
.ind proposed street changes, etc., with all the early and farm 
titles and the generally known and conceded defects in and 
clouds upon titles to property both in the Bronx and Manhattan. 
He has often testified before the courts as an expert convey- 
i.ncer and real estate lawyer in actions involving most difficult, 
novel and abstruse questions, and is admitted to be one of the 
best authorities on real estate law and Surrogate's Court practice 
in this city. He is possessed of a remarkably quick, clear, pene- 
trating, analytical, deep mind — ^a rare combination of the light- 
ning-like characteristics of the Celt and the profundity of that 
of the Teuton. i\.s a speaker he is forceful and eloquent, has a 
strong, clear, pleasant voice, and with his great vocabulary and 
control of language, knowledge of human nature and innate sin- 
cerity is capable of holding the attention of an audience for 
hours, and of carrying it to the heights of enthusiasm. As a 
trial lawyer he is painstaking and thorough; as a cross-examiner 
astute, overpowering, relentless, enticing and irresistible; yet 
mild, considerate and gentlemanly; while in the arguments of 
r.ppeals, with his logical mind and wonderful memory, he eluci- 
dates and expounds the law, arranges and marshals facts as 
few men of his years can. Indeed, he has been often highly 
complimented by our Appellate courts for his masterful handling 
of an important and difficult case before them. By nature, tem- 
perament and adaptability he has a truly judicial mind, which 
by training, experience and study has been developed, strengtli- 
cned. broadened and amplified. He would adorn with credit any 
position he might be called upon to occupy, especially a judicial 
one. In politics he is, and has always been, an uncompromising 
Democrat, and a powerful factor in his party. To quote from a 
prominent weekly ; "His powers as a campaign manager and polit- 
ical manipulator are both feared and admired. ... As an 
opponent, he is open and honorable, clean and above board, sincere 
:ind consistent, tenacious and aggressive; but still, not bitter, vin- 
dictive or revengeful. He is a good loser and a magnanimous 
victor." He never held any public office, though numerous offers 
were made to him. However, he has frequently been appointed a 
commissioner in street opening proceedings and a referee in 
actions involving close and difficult real estate questions. He 
is single, and lives with his father, mother and sister in a beauti- 



410 



HISTORY OF BRONX ^BOROUGH 



f-.il lioinc ;it J0S7 liatligalc Avt-mif. corner of iSolh Street, which 
is the niagniet of many sucial gatherings, lie shines and is at 
lionre in any assemblage ; is a "guod mixer" among men and 
piipnlar wilh and beloved by all classes. He has traveled exren- 
.•■.ively both ou this continent and abroad, and is a most fascin- 
ating conversationalist, a born liuniurist and ati excellent story 
teller. Wilk his natural and acciuired eloquence, comprehensive 
hnowledge ol men and things, he has become a most interesting 
and instrnctive lecturer, and is in great demand as such. His 
works in charitable and humanitarian movements are manifold, 
hut are known only to the beneficiaries and recipients; for he 
gives to his suffering fellow'men out of the goodness of hi.^. 
iieart, and not for fame or publicity. In the field of fraternity 
there is no better known or esteemed man in the city or State. 
.-\s Grand Knight for si.x years of the largest Knights of Coluni 
bus council in the country, and State Attorney General or Advo- 
cate of the Order in New York State for two terms by unani- 
mous vote of 37,000 men, and in countless other important 
offices, his unbounded capacity for work, tremendous energy and 
wonderful executive ability are matters of constant marvel ; also 
as E.xalted Ruler of Bronx Lodge of the Elks, and for that 
matter in every organization with which he is connected, for he 
takes an active interest in all of them, to again quote from the 
public press: "His capacity for all kinds of work, his executive 
ability, his powers of organizing and harmonizing are wonderful. 
.As a presiding officer he is fearless, but fair, forceful yet not 
overbearing, firm yet kind and courteous; is an authority on 
parliamentary procedure and has few superiors." The foUowi-ig 
are some of the organizations of which he is a member: Knighti 
of Columbus, Grand Knight ; Elks, Exalted Ruler ; Woodmen 
of America, Past Venerable Consul ; Redmen, Past Sachem and 
frophet; and present or past officer or worker in the Ancient 
Urder of Hibernians, Clan-a-Gael, Catholic Benevolent Legion, 
koyal Arcanum. St. Joseph's Lyceum, Tremont; Arthur H. 
7vlurphy Association, Jefferson Club, Democratic General Com- 
mittee and several special committees of the Thirty-fifth Assem- 
bly District, Irish-American .Athletic Club, Anchor Association. 
Knights of Columbus Headquarters Association, Columbian 
.A.ssembly, Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, Ireland's American 
rriends. Dauntless Rowing Club, "Bruskies," Bronx Press Club. 
Bar Association, Society of Medical Jurisprudence, Owl Liter- 
ary Club, Xavier Alumni Sodalit.v, Catholic Club, Knights of 
Equity, Order of the Alhambra, Holy Name Society and St 
Vincent de Paul Society' and numerous other social, political, 
fraternal, religious and professional organizations. He is one 
of the most intellectual, educated, learned, versatile, respected 
and esteemed citizens of the Bronx, and has been very aptly 
and happily termed the "Napoleon of the Bronx," for though he 
is physically rather small, in every other respect he is indeed 
,!;reat, and a brilliant future awaits him. 

P.ATRICK J. O'NEIL, who for a number of years has 
been active in Bn nx real estate transactions, was born March 
4, 1871, in Tipperary County, Ireland, and hails from an old 
and successful family of that country. He was educated in the 
Christian Brothers' College, of Cashel, Tipperary County, from 
whicli he graduated, and came to this country in 1882. arriving 
on May 24. He began at once to learn the stonecutting trade, 
bit did not follow his vocation long, as the firm he was em- 
ployed by. failed. He sought employment of the Second Avenue 
Railroad Company, and succeeded in securing a good position, 
v. liich he kept up to 1889. It was during this year he realized 
the fact that one through careful speculation in real estate 
could make con.^iderable money, so he opened up an office 
and, incidental to his regtdar bu.siness, he acted as agent for 
several large insurance companies. It was not long before 



he was lieaid from, and to-day he enjoys a large and lucrative 
clientage. Mr. O'Neil has resided in this section for some 
lime, and is widely known, both in a social and political way. 
lb; is Tammany Hall Captain of the Seventy-fourth Election 
District, and a member of the Tammany Hall General Com- 
mittee of the Thirty-fifth Assembly District, belongs to the 
Jetterson Club, Bronx Club, the Bronx Country Club, the 
Knights of Columbus, the Royal Arcanum, No. 1618, is a 




PATRICK J. NEIL 

worshipper of the Catholic faith and is a member of the Holy 
Name Society. 'I'he Patrick J. O'Neil Association was organ- 
ized by him some time ago, and is to-day one of the largest in 
the Bronx, he being the standard bearer. On July 11, 1900, 
Mr. O'Neil married Miss Stella Walsh, who is connected with 
Public School No. 20, Bronx. She is also a member of the 
Daughters of Isabella, Court Columbia, and a member of Seton 
Circle of the Bronx. 

HIRAM TARBOX, son of Fones Whitford and Sarah 
(.Spencer) Tarbox, was born in West Greenwich, R. I., June 
15, 1817. He was a descendant of Miles Standish, through in- 
termarriage of the Tarbo.K and Standish families. He was 
eighth in descent from John Tarbox, who settled in Lynn, 
Mass., between 1600 and 1610, and of the ninth generation from 
John Green, of Quidnessett, R. I. ; and later. General Nathaniel 
Greene, of Revolutionary fame. Named for his uncle, Hiram 
Tarbox, a manufacturer and importer of watches, he was called 
Hiram Tarbo.x 2d until the death of his uncle in 1878. At the 
age of seventeen he left his father's home and went to live with 
his uncle in Lisbon, Conn., purposing to learn the watchmaking 
trade. He there met Miss Mary Clark, of Canterbury, Conn., 
whom he married in 1839 and who died at her home in this 
city in 1897. She was a descendant of the old New England 
Adams-Davenport families : an estimable woman, a true and 
sincere friend, long mourned by those who love and cherish her 
memory. In 1844 Mr. Tarbox left Connecticut with his family 
for New York City, wdiere he entered in business as a watch 
maker in Maiden Lane. When Upper Morrisania was l.iid oiil 
in 1848 he, with about four dozen men of the same mind, pur- 
chased from Gouverneur Morris the farm on which Upper Mor- 
risania was then located, selecting plots by choice, and, three 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



411 



years later, he completed and moved into the house, now No. 
iS8.? Washington Avenue, wliich he continued to occupy until 
his dealli. lie was well called the Patriarch of Tremont, com- 
ing to llie place in those early pioneer days when there were 
hut a handful of scattered inhahitants, and remaining a resi- 
deni for nearly fifty-four years. In 1856 the name of Upper 
Morrisania was changed to Tremont through the infiuence of 
Mr. Tarbox and a number of the other early settler, tl was 
argued that, as there were three hills or mounts in the neigh- 
borhood; Mount Hope, Fairmount and Mount Eden, it would 
be appropriate to have the name changed to Tremont. Mr. 
Tarbox was one of the founders of the Republican party ni 
this locality and furnished the lot on which they erected their 
wigwam when that party assumed a commanding position in 
this State in the war times. He helped organize a fire depart- 
ment, a free library, a stage line, and steamboat company. He 
was instrumental in getting the national government to estab- 




HIRAM TARBOX 

lish a post office at Tremont and was the only postmaster that 
I remont ever had, having been appointed through Hon. Salmon 
P. Chase, then Secretary of the Treasury under .\braham Lin- 
coln, to that position in September, 1861, when the Tremont 
post office was established. Messrs. Wm. A. Bedell and Jas. 
1'". Beanies, both long since having passed away, were his bonds- 
men. When on January I, 1874, this section was anne.xed to 
the City and County of New York, the former Tremont post 
office became a branch of the New York post office, and Mr. 
Tarbox was appointed superintendent of the branch office, hold- 
ing the position for nine years, thus making twenty-two years 
of continuous service. He had great faith in the future of 
upper New York City, and really did much to make the local- 
it}', by his pioneering work, what it is to-day. For forty years, 
Mr. Tarbox conducted the watch business in Maiden I>ane, 
Nassau and John Streets and Broadway of this city, and was 
one of the founders of what is now the American Walthani 



Walcli Company, he having conceived the idea of producing 
ivaun niov'cmenls l.y nuiviiUiery instead of by hand. In 1884 he 
retired, ihereafier guing His aiienlion to interests nearer home. 
He was classLd by ilie trade one ot the brightest minds in his 
line. Jle was a born genius, and nxade some of the most in- 
tricate tools and machinery ui the carrying on of his business, 
and being a very skilhul mechanic, his mind naturally ran to 
mechanical improvements, which resulted in much ot his handi- 
work reaching the patent office at Washington. At the first 
World's Fair held in the Crystal Palace on Forty-second 
Street (now Bryant Park), he exhibited many of his inven- 
tions which were totally lost in the destruction of the buildings 
by fire in 1856. At the age of nearly 87 he perfected his last 
invention, intending to have it patented, but his untimely death, 
as proven later, made it impossible. In his religious views, Mr. 
Tarbox was a staunch Baptist, with a very liberal, friendly, 
open and kindly feeling toward all denominations. He, for 
about forty years, was a member of the Pilgrim Baptist Church 
of West Farms, of which he was both deacon and 
trustee. A very amiable and thoroughly honest man, a gentle- 
man and a devout Christian, much beloved at home and every- 
where he was known, he respected himself and commanded 
the respect and admiration of his associates and acquaintances. 
Situated as he was, many of the troubles and vicissitudes in 
the life of others came to his notice, and his charitable and 
kindly acts were exceedingly numerous and unnumbered, ex- 
tending in every direction. His helping hand and heart were 
always ready to aid the needy. Selfishness and he were total 
strangers. Mr. Tarbox passed away in July, 1904, 'In his 88th 
year, the result of a fracture of a hip bone caused by a fall two 
months before. He bad a wonderful constitution which en- 
abled him to fight so long for life while suffering terrific agony, 
and which was due to his temperate life and habits. Just prior 
to his death one of the leading surgeons in this city examined 
him and pronounced every organ in his body perfectly sound 
and in better condition than the majority of men at fifty years 
of age, proclaiming that he should have lived for over one 
hundred years. He maintained all of his faculties to the end. 
The Rev. Dr. Coker, who conducted the funeral services, said 
that the world needed inore men like him, and that there was 
no need of offering a prayer for such a pure and upright man, 
and his words were true. With the death of Hiram Tarbox 
the last of the original men who settled Tremont passed away. 
He was survived by four children, two sons and two daughters: 
Hiram Thomas, a leading mechanical expert, of Boston, Mass.: 
Charles Wakefield, a real estate expert of this city ; Mary 
C, and Sarah E., now retired, but former very successful edu- 
cational teachers in this city, and one grandchild, Elsa Daven- 
port Tarbox. 

II.\RRY SCTiliEYER, the well known director of the 
New York High School of Music, located at 1 103 Boston Road, 
may be called with full confidence the musical pioneer of the 
Bronx, as he was the first man to establish a conservatory of 
music in' the Bronx, early in the year 1870. A great many of 
the very best musicians and teachers of the Bronx have during 
that time started with their musical education, under Mr. 
Schreyer. A tendency to rhapsody and impulse seems to be im- 
planted in the breasts of most eminent musicians, yet. there 
are possibly very few musicians of his years W'ho can look back 
upon so rich and interesting a career. Born at Arad, South- 
ern Hungary. October 20, 1854. of wealthy and honored parents, 
he early evinced an abnormal musical inclination which caused 
great astonishment, most of all to those wko followed the pro- 
fession of nnisic. At the age of from four to five years he 



412 



HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH 



played, witliout knowledge of notes or keys, such difficult pieces 
as Chopin's Waltzes, JXlendelssohn's Lieder Ohne Worte, etc., 
etc., which he had heard his brother (eight years older) playing. 
Had his talent been fostered he could easily have been a 
wonder-child like Mozart or Liszt, but his parents while being 
fond of music, had a pronounced prejudice against a musical 
career, therefore, would not consent to their child taking up 
the study of music until after he had passed his seventh year. 
From this time, however, he was a constant source of surprise 
to his teachers, for he proved the truth of the words uttered 
by Gounod which translated mean "The teacher can only bring 
out great results with great talent." In a brief space of time 
young Schreyer had consumed the knowledge of his teachers, 
and quite often was known to substitute his own fingering for 
that of the professor, but far more astonishing was his phras- 
ing and execution of classical music. At about this time, Carl 
Taussig, perhaps the greatest pianist of all ages, who alas. 






HARRY SCHREYER 

died at the early age of thirty years, gave a concert in the 
boy's birthplace and the little fellow was brought before the 
great master, who declared, after hearing him play, "he had 
never heard so gifted a child," and expressed a desire to under- 
take his musical education, but this the mother would not do, 
but instead, placed her son who had previously lost his father, 
in a boarding school in Prague with instruction to prepare him 
for academical studies. But talent cannot be suppressed, and 
while young Schreyer made rapid progress in the direction de- 
sired by his rnother, at the same time nothing could keep back 
the strong love of music, and it happened that one day, instead 
of attending school he went instinctively to the Sophien-Insel- 
Saal where Rubinstein was giving a matinee recital. We 
now pass over the years of Schreyer's scholastic days and come 
to a period when his mother desired he should take up the 
study of banking, but all to no avail, for the yoimg man having 
no financial cares, would, instead of sitting ciuietly in an office, seek 
out the first masters of the time such as Kreyczi and Heger of 
Prague, and Kullack and Taussig in Berlin. About the year 
i8;o an irresistible power took him to 'Vienna where Anton 
Rubinstein was the conductor of a concert association. Rubin- 
stein, who, except during his early artistic career in Vienna, and 
later as director of the St. Petersburg Conservatory of Music, 
never gave private lessons, allowed the young man to call at 



his studio whenever prepared to play something for him, a favor 
seldom granted to others. When Rubenstein left Vienna, Schrey- 
er did the same, joining a concert organization which toured 
through Austria. At this period of his life, owing to the un- 
pleasant correspondence with his mother, who was much dis- 
pleased with the wandering life led by her son, together with an 
inborn desire to visit foreign countries, he decided to come 
to America, especially as he heard Rubinstein had been engaged 
lor a tour m this country, but fate prevented the young man 
from carrying out his designs until the year 1874, when, of 
course, Rubinstein had left. Noting the primitive state of 
musical instruction, the idea first presented itself to him of be- 
coming a pedagogue, and realizing this intention, a few years 
of hard work followed. Numerous pupils enjoyed his instruc- 
tion, among whom are to be found many teachers of repute. 
Aleanwhile Mr. Schreyer himself enlarged his knowledge as a 
teacher, being aided by such well-known men as Dr. William 
Mason, Max Pinner and S. B. Mills. Later he was offered the 
position of Professor at the Grand Conservatory of Music, 
then the leading scnool in New York, and where Fradel, Bris- 
tow, Doppler, Sternberg, Lambert and numerous other cele- 
brated teachers composed the faculty. At this time, Schreyer, 
who was a pianist ol extraordinary ability, should have become a 
\ irtuoso of the first rank, but his unfortunate penchant to wander, 
and the fact that he had married a young American lady, ied 
him to accept the conductorship of a traveling opera company, 
thinking thereby to secure greater financial success. This no- 
made life precluded the possibility of practice and of his ever 
becoming famous as a soloist. Tiring of this mode of exis- 
tence after a few years, Mr. Schreyer at the earnest solicita- 
tion of his mother, who has growing old, returned to Europe, 
and in 1883 we find him again in Vienna, where he was offered 
the post of director at a well-known conservatory, but not hav- 
ing been born in the city it was necessary for him according to law 
to pass a serious official examination before the State Board ol 
Education which he did with excellence. As a result of this 
he was approved as director for any conservatory or high 
school of music controlled by the government. Shortly after 
he was accepted as an ordinary member of the most exclusive 
"Wiener Tonkuenstlerverein" an organization of such masters 
as Brahms, Goldmark, Bruell, Fuchs, Graedeiier, Rosenthal, 
Gruenfeld, Paderewski, Madame Esipoff, Schuett, Schytte, etc. 
There he also met such famous colleagues as Leschetizky, 
Door. Epstein, Hans Schmidt, etc., etc., with whom he steadily 
exchanged views regarding teaching methods, etc., which final- 
ly enriched and perfected his already great experience. Two 
years later, upon the death of Prof. Smietansky, Mr. Schreyer 
was offered and accepted the late professor's position in the 
famous Horak Piano School, where his lectures on piano in- 
struction were attended by many musical authorities. His suc- 
cess at this school is attested by the testimonial received by him 
five years later when he left to become director of a Hungarian 
conservatory, famous the country over. Here he proved an or- 
ganizer of great ability, so much so that other schools of the 
country sent experts to study his methods with a view to their 
adoption. This latter position was only given up in response to 
the wishes of his wife and family, who were desirous of return- 
ing to America. Mr. Schreyer yielded to those desires, but 
before finally doing so he made a concert journey through Eu- 
rope with his daughters also eminent artistes. After a brief 
residence the High School of Music was established and know- 
ing his experience and conscientiousness it is safe to predict 
for this institution a brilliant future as a mighty educational 
factor in this city, in a word, r\ success equal to his former en- 
terprises. 



HISTORICAL INDEX 



Acrahung, 3 
Acre of Roses, 47 
Adamsville, loi 
Adee, George T., 13 
Adee Property, 66 
Alaskan Kadiak, Bear, 46 
Albany Avenue, 10, 17, 18, 19, 24. 25 
Albany Post Road, 10, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25 
Algonquins, 3 
Allen, W. M., 99 
Amackassin, lo 
"Ambleside," 99 
American Fort (1776), 28 
Amerindians, 3 

"Ancient Glebe," Westchester, 13 
Andre, Major, 28 
Anne Hutchinson, 7, 8, .S3 
Ann-Hook (Wampage), 4, n 
Anneke Jans, 7 
Annexed District, 103 
Anthony Avenue, 103 
Anthony the Trumpeter, 19 
Antonia Slagboom, 7 
Aquahung, 3, 7 
Aqueanoncke, 4 
Aqueducts — 
Kensico, 93 
New Croton, 93 
Old Croton, 92 

Arcer, Jan. 77 

Archer, John, 77 

Arnold, B. G., 99 

Arnold, Benedict, 2.S 

Arnold Mansion, 72, 99 

Arnold's Point, 73, 99 

Arrow Heads, S 

B 

Bailey, N. P.. 24 

Bailey Avenue, 24 

Bailey, William, 13 

Barbadoes, 33 

Baretto Estate, 89 

Baretto, F. J., 89, 99 

Baretto Mansion, 89, 99 

Barnes, William, 4 

Bartow, i. S.s. 103 

Bartow Mansion, li, 53. 5<J 

Bartow, Rev. John, 15 

Bartow, Robert, 57 

Bartow Station, S3, 55, 59 

Bathgate Avenue, 75 

Bathgate Avenue's Old House, 75 

Bathgate Estate, .^0 

Bathgate Homestead, 39 

Bathgate Houses, Jerome Park, 92 

Bathgate, J., 92 

Bathgate, J.. House, 92 

Battery, 107 

Baxter, Thomas, 5 

Bavchester, 103 

Bear Ridge, 48, 66 

Bears' Den, 2 

Bear Swamp, S 

Bear Swamp Road, 5 

Beaver Swamp Road, 47 

Beck Memorial Church, 41 

Becker Avenue. 50 

Bedford Park, loi 

Belmont, loi . 



Bennett, James Gordon, 93 

Bennett, John, 57 

Benson, B. L., 74 

Benson Mansion, loi 

Bensonia, loi 

Eensonia Cemetery, 74 

Berkley Oval, lOi 

Berrian Cemeteries, 21, 76 

Berrian Farm House, 19. 79 

Berrian, Jacob, Residence, lOr 

Berrian's Neck, 19 

Berrian, Saiirael, 76 

Berrien, John, 76 

Berrien, Nicholas, 76 

Black Rock, 2, 74 

Black Swamp, 95 

"Bleach," The, 46 

Bleach Mills, 46 

Block, Adrian, 69 

"Bloody Well," The, 18 

"Blythe," 99 

Bogardus, Everardus, 7 

Bolton, James, 46, 48 

Bolton Residence, 46 

Bonner, Robert, 37 

Borough of the Bronx, 7 

Boston, 91 r> J^ 

Boston Avenue (Boston Post Road), 

17, 24, 25, 27. 29, 32, 57, 63, 74, 92 
Boston Road (Morrisania), i, IS, 29- 

32. 35, 38, 39, 41, 42, 45, 53, 66, 88, 

lOI 

Botanical Garden, 2, 47 

Botanical Museum, 50 

Boulevard Lafayette, or Riverside 

Drive, 3 
Boulders, I, 2 
Bowne, S. B., 13 
"Breakneck Hill," 42. 77 
Bridges to Manhattan- 
King's Bridge, 17, 79 
Farmers'. Free or Dyckman s, 17, 70 
Spuyten Duvvil R. R. Bridge, 79 
Hendrik Hudson Memorial Bridge, 79 
Broadwav Bridge, 79 
Fordham Heiglits Bridge, 79 
Washington Bridge, 79, 80 
High Bridge, 70, 80 
Putnam Division, N. Y. C. R. K. 

Bridge, 80 
Macomb's (CentraO Bridge. 80 
145th Street Bridge. 81 
Madison Avenue Bridge, 81 
Park Avenue (N. Y. Central R. R.) 

Bridge, 81 
Harlem ("Third Avenue) Bridge, 81 
Second Avenue Brid.ge, 81 
Willis Avenue Bridge, 81 
Broadway Bridge, 79 
Bridges. Charles, 9 
"Brightside," 99 
Broadway, Yonkers, 10 
Bronck. Jonas, 7, 77 
Bronck. House of, 8 
Bronck, Peter, 7 
Bronck, Rev. Mitchell, 7 
Bronck's River, 11 
Rroncksland, 7, 33, 34 
Bronks, Jonas, .34 
Bronx .\queduct. 93 
Bronx Borough. 3. 63. 93 
Bronx County, 105 



Bronx Park, I, 5, 7, 41, 48, 74, 85 
Bronx River, 3, 7, 10, 28, 41, 42, 45, 48, 

85, 89, 101, 103, 105 
Bronxdale, 64, 74, 103 
Bronxland, 7 
Bronxvvood Park, 103 
Brook .\venue, 3 
Buena Vista Ridge Road, 83 
Burr, Aaron, 15, 42, 61 
Burr- Hamilton Pistols, 20 
Burying Grounds — 

Bensonia, 74 

Berrian, 21 

Berrian (Fordham Heights), 76 

Ferris (Westchester). 13 

Hunt, 90 

Leg.gctt, 89, go 

Pasture Hill, 13 

Pell, 56 

St. Paul's, Eastchester, 15 

St. Peter's, Westchester, 13, 89 

Underbill, 66 

Woodlawn Cemetery, 13, 28, 49 
Bufsing's Point, 80 
Byram River, 48 



Camman Estate, 24 

Camman, O., lOi 

Camp, Hugh N., Residence, lOi 

"Canal Street Cottage," Riverdale, !■; 

Carr Hill, loi 

Casanova Mansion, 73. 74, 99 

Casanova, Senor, 73, 155 

"Castello de Casanova," 73- 99 

Casting, Samuel, IS 

Castle Hill, 5- 69 

Castle Hill Farm Hou.se, 112 

Castle Hill Mansion, 69 

Cauldwell Avenue, i 

Cave near Leggett Avenue, 72 

Cave in Edenwald. 52 

Cedar Avenue, 83 

Cedar Hill. loi . 

Cedar of Lebanon. Hunts Point, 88 

Cedar of Lebanon. Throgg's Neck, 67 

Cedar (Si.gel) Park, 83 

Cedar Tree Brook, ti 

Central Bridge, 80. 83, 105 

Central Morrisania. 85, loi 

Central Morrisania Station, 85 

Chandler, Rev. Dr., 69 

Cherry Lane. 89 

Chcrrv Tree Point, 103 

Chisholm, Walter, 88 

Christian Brothers' Academy. 9 

City Hall, 85 

City History Club, 57 ^ ^^ 

City Island, i. 3, 55. 57, .58, 59, 63, 66, 

8S, 103 ^ . , ^ 

City Island Brid.ee. 59, 61 
City Island Road, 55. lol 
Ciaflin Mansions. loi 
Claremont, 25, loi 
Claremont Park. 2. 83. 85. 95 
Clason's Point. 0. 56. 103, lOS 
Clason's Point Road, 9 
Clinton, De Witt, 28 
Clinton, General, 18 
Clinton, James, 28 
Cock Hill, 19. 23 
Cock Hill Fort, 19 



414 



HISTORICAL INDEX 



Coffey, Rev. W. S., IS 

Cold Spring, JManliatlan. 19 

Cold Spring, Long Island, 65 

"Colen Donck," 10 

Coles' Bridge, 49, 81 

Coles, Mr., 30, 31 

Coles Road, 31 

Collect Pond, 7 

College Point, 9 

Collins Lane, i, 55, 57 

Collins Mansion, 57 

Collins, Mr., 8 

Colonial Gardens, 10 

Colonial Inn, 59 

Colonial Road (Boston Avenue), 27 

Concourse, 103 

Cooper, James Fenimore, 20 

Cooper. Rev. Dr., 69 

Cornell. Thomas, 7, 8, 9 

Cornell's Neck, 8, 103 

Corsa, Andrew, 96 

Corsa. Andrew, Residence, 96 

"Cosey Nook," 99 

Court House, 2iJ 

"Cowboys," 18 

"Cowboys Oak," 36 

Crabb "Island, 96 

Crawford, Francis. 28 

Cromwell Avenue, 96 

Cromwell's Creek, 95 

Crv>mwell Farm House, 93, 96 

Cromwell, Oliver, 76 

Croton .\queducts, 76, 80, 92, 93 

"Croton Maid," 93 

Crotona Park, 39 

Crotona Parkway, 42 

Croton River, 48 

Croton Water Commissioners, 88 

Cuba, 99 



Dark Valley, 48 

Dash's Lane, 19 

Dashwood, Mrs., loi 

Dater Mansion. 72, 99 

Dater, Philip, 72 

Decatur, Stephen, 61 

De Graaf Residence, 2,y 

De Lancey Block House, 42 

De Lancey Family. 35, 45 

De Lancey Horse, 12. 45 

De Lancey. James, 45 

De Lancey Mansion, 45 

De Lancey's Mills, 45 

De Lancey. Oliver, 20, 45, 87 

De Lancey, Peter, 45 

De Lancey Pine, 45, 46 

De Lancev, T. J.. 40 

De Lavall. Tho.. 30 

De Long, Lieutenant. 49 

De Milt Avenue. 28 

Dennison's Lane. 72 

Deniiiison-White Residence, i, 96 

Department of Street Improvements, 103 

Devil's Stepping Stones. 65 

De Voe, Charles, Sr.. 96 

De "Voe, John H.. 96 

De 'Voe. John H., Residence, 96 

De Voe, Moses. 77. loi 

De Voe Family. 06 

De Voe's Point. 80, q6 

De Vries. Davidy Pietterscn, 10 

Deed of 'Westchester, II 

Deer, 10 

Dickenson Residence, loi 

Dickey. C. D., 99 

Dodge, \V. E.. Residence, loi 

Dolling, John. 

D'.'\ngouleme. Duchcsse, 33 

Drake. Joseph Rodman, 89, 91 

Drake Family, 15 



Drake, Susjuiuah, 57 

Drovers' Inn, near Eastchester, 66 

Drovers' Inn. Morrisania, 35 

Dry Bridge, 37 

Duke of York. 56, 87 

Dutch Patents, 8 

Dutch Reformed Church, Fordham, 77, 

92 
Dyckman's Bridge, 17, 79 



East Morrisania, 99, loi 

East River, 69 

East Tremont, 103 

Eastchester, 4. t, 14, 28. 51, s^. 6s, 64, 

65, 88, 107 
Eastchester Comimon, 15 
Eastchester Creek, 4, 8, 53 
Eastern Boulevard, 3, 11, 55 
Eastern Post Road, 29 
Echo Park, 83 
Edenwald, 51. 103 
Edsall, Samuel. 34 
"Elmwood." 99 
Emmaus, 7 
"Embrook," loi 
Eltona, 103 
Erie Canal, 28 
Esquimaux, i, 96 



Faile, E. G.. 88, 99 

Faile, G., Estate, 88, loi 

Faile Manor, 88 

Faile Mansion, 88, 99 

"Fairlawn," loi 

Fairmount. 39, 103 

Farmers' Bridge, 17, 42 

Farragut. Adnnral. 49 

Featherbed Lane, 96, lOI 

Felix Oldboy, 105 

Ferris, Benjamin, 13 

Ferris Graveyard. 13 

P'erris Homestead, 65 

Ferris House, Westchester Countr-. 

Club, 56 
Ferris, John, 4 

Ferris Mansion. Zerega's Point. 67 
Ferris or Ferry Point, 67, 103 
Ferry at Harlem, 30 
Ffowler. Henry, 15 
"Fire of Troy." 7 
First Avenue. 81 
Fleetwood Park. 34 
Flushing, 8 
Flushing Bay, 9 
Flypsen. Frederyck, 79 
Font Hill, loi 
Ford Across the Bronx. 46 
Fordham, 42, 43. 73. 76. 83. 96. loi 
Fordham Avenue. 33. 37. 39, 73 
r^'ordham Heights. 83. loi 
Forilham Heights' Bridge. 79 
Ivirdham Landing Road. 76. 83 
Fordham Park. 83 
Fordham Road. 76. 77, loi, 103 
Fordham Road, Old. 75 
Fordham Square. 76 
Fordham Station. 83. 83, 101 
Fordham University, 76 
Forest Grove, loi 
Forrest. Edwin. loi. 
Fort Amsterdam. 3, 10 
Fort Independence. 24. 27. 92 
Fort Independence Avenue. 24 
Fort No. I, 24 
Fort No. 2, 24 
Fort No. 3. 24 
Fort No. 4. 24 
Fort No. 3. 24 
Fort No. 6, 24 



Fort No. 7, 24 

Fort No. S, 24 

Fort Prince Charles, 24 

Fort Schuyler, 65, 67, 103 

Fort Swartwout, 24 

Fowler, Miss Elizabeth, 21 

Fox Barn, 88 

Fox Corners, 74, 87, 91, 93 

Fox Estate, 88 

Fox Farm House, 87 

Fox, George, 13, gi 

Fox, G. S., 99 

Fox Square, 88 

Fox, W. W., 88 

"Foxhurst." 88. 93. 99 

Franklin. Benjamin, 64 

Frequemcck, 10 

Free Bridge, 17, 79 

Frog's Neck. 63 

"Frog's" Point, 8 



Gardiner's Island, SZ 
Gate House to William H. Morris Res- 
idence, 35 
"General Slocum." The, 71 
Georgi House, 37 
Giles, W. O., Residence, 24. 27 
Gi\-an Homestead, 103 
Glacial Age, I 
Glacial Grooves, 2 
Glacial Man, i 

Glass House. Bronx Park. 47 
Glebe Avenue, 13 
Glover, Colonel, i, 35, 56 
Glover's Rock, i, 55 
Goose Island, 103 
Gorge, Bronx Park, 47 
Gould, Jay, Monument. 49 
Governor Marcy. 88, 92 
Governor Minuit, 7 
Governor Kieft, 7, 8 
Governor Nichols, 69 
Governor Stuyvesant. 9, 19 
Governor Winthrop. 9 
Grand Boulevard and Concourse, 103 
Gravelly Brook, 11 
Grand Central Station, 103 
"Gray Mare," The. 37 
"Great Eastern." The, 79 
"Green Bank," 99 
"Graystone," loi 
Greenwich, 63 
Greenwood Cemetery. 37 
Gresham. Secretary, 71 
Grove Hill. 37. loi 
Grove, Siah's. 69 
Guion. Charles, 15 
Guion. I\Irs.. i^ 
Gu!i Hill Road' 28. _|c) 



H 



Hadley House. 19 

Haffcn. Hon. Louis F., loi, 103 

"Half IMoon," 3, 19 

Hall. Ralph and Mary, 39 

Halleck. Fitz Greene, 89 

Hamilton-Burr Pistols, 20 

Hamilton Grange, 52 

Hammer's Hotel. 37 

Hammond. Abijah, 67 

Hand, Colonel, 63 

Hand. George. Residence, i,"] 

Harlaem, 29 

Harlaem Road, 29 

Harlem. 7, 29, 30, 34, 49, 83, 90. 96 

Harlem Bridge. 17, 30, 31, 37, 39, 81, <>: 

Harlem FlatsT 88 

Harlem Kills. 31, 103 

Harlem Railroad, 33. 49, 75, 103 



HISTORICAL INDEX 



4J5 



Plarlem River, 7, 79, 80. Si, 92, 93, 95. 

103, 107 
Harlem River Bridges, 79, 80, 81 
Harlem River Station, N. Y.. N. H. & 

H. R. R., 7 
Harlem Valley, 75 
Hart's Island, 67, 103 
Haskin, J. B., 24, 76 
Hassock Meadow, 42. 43 
"Haunted Cedar Knoll." 53 
Havemeyer Mansion, 67 
Havemeyer Place, 63 
Havens, Captain W. C. 28 
Havens' House, 28 
Havens, Mr., 17, 28 
Havens, Mrs., 28 
"Tlawkswood," lOl 
Hay House, SS 
Heatli, General, 28, 63 
Heath. General, Memoirs, 63 
Heathcut, Colonel, 15, ^,2 
Heine Fountain, 83, 103 
Hell Gate, 5. 34. 53. .SO. 61 
Hemlocks, Bronx Park, 47 
Henderson, Mr., 57 
Hendrick Hudson, 3 
Hendrick Hudson Memorial Bridge, 79 
"Hermitage," The, 48 
Hessians, The, 56, 57. 63 
Highhridge, 24, 76, 80, 88, 92, 93 
Highbridgeville, 77. 95, 96, loi 
Hiijh Island. 103 
Hoe. P. A., 99 
Hoe, R. M., 88, 90 
Home for Incurables. 43. 75, 76 
Home Street. 2. 87. 105 
Honeywell, Philip. 13 
Horton. Joseph, 10 
Howe Chestnut, 57 
Howe, General, 2, 55, 63 
Howe, Lord, 55- 56. 57. 90 
Howe. Lord, Headnnarters of, 56 
"Huckleberry Road,"' 37. 85 
Hudson River. 3, 19. 24, loi, 103 
Hudson Memorial Bridge, 3 
Huguenots, i 
Hunt Burying Ground, 89 
Hunt Family, 01 
Hunt Family CEastchester"), IS 
Hunt House. Boston Road. 38 
Hunt Inn. 87. 89 
Hunt, Tnhn. 4, 87 
Hunt, Toseph, 5 
Hunt, Josiah, 60 
Hunt Mansion, 00 
Hunt, Thomas, 87, QO 
Hunt's Bridge. 49 
Hunt's Point, -I, 87. R8. 89. 90 
Hunt's Point Road. 88. 80. 01. 99 
Hunter. Mr.. ?7 
Hunter's Island. 4, 5". '03 
Huntington, C. P., i9, 82 
Huntington, C. P.. Mansion, 67 
llunlington, Mr«., 67 
Hustace. .Augustus. 28 
Husface-C?sh House. 28 
"Hussar." The, 71, 90 
Hutchinson, Anne, 7, 8. 53 
Hutchinson River. 8. 11. 53. 55 
Hvatt Homestead, 49, 50 
Hyatt's Lane, 49 



I 



Indians. I. 2. 3. 4. 53. 77 

Indian Brook, 13 

"Indian Cemetery," 4 

Indian Deed of Eastchester, 4 

Indian Deed of Westchester, 4 

Indian Deed (0\d^. 

Indian Field of Van Cortland Park, 23 



Indian Fortification, 52 

Indian Ghosts, 53 

Indian Grant, 56 

Indian Hiding Place, 51 

Indian Names, 3 

Indian Pond, 39 

Indian Rock, 49 

Indian Sachems, 4 

Indian Shell Beds, 3 

Indian Skeletons, 4 

Indian Tribes, 3 

Indian Villages, 3 

Indian Well or Bath, i, 2 

Intervale Avenue, 87 

Inwood, loi 

In wood Heights, 119 

Irving. Washington, 65 

Isaac Varian Homestead. 27 

Iselin Mansion, 57 

Island of Manhates. 10 

Island of Shells, 59 



Jack's Rock, 2 

Jacksonville, 103 

James II., 56 

Jans, Anneke, 7 

Janes & Kirtland's Iron Fonndrv, 74 

Janes, Mr.. 99 

Jay, Mrs. John, 33 

Jay. Jud.gc William. 33 

Jefferson Place. 35 

Jennings Family. 35 

Jennings' Old Homestead. 35 

Jerome, 103 

Jerome Avenue, 2. 27, 93. 05. 9^. 103 

Jerome, Leonard W., loi 

Jerome Park, 02, 93. loi 

Jerome Park Club House, 92 

Terome Park Reservoir. 2. 27. 92. 93 

Jerome Park Reservoir. Breastwork 

in, 92 
lerome Park Reservoir Gate Hous . 

No. 5. 93 
Terome Park Polo Club House. 93 
Jcssup. Edward. 42. 43. 87, 89, 90 
Jessup, Elizabeth. 90 
Jessup Place, 96 
Johnson's Tavern, 45 
lonas Bronck, 7 
Joseph Rodman Drake Park, 90 
Joshua Pell House, 93 

K 

Kekeskick, 10 

Kensico, 48 

Kensico Lake. 93 

Kensico Reservoir, 48 

Kcskeskeck Region, 10 

Kicft. Wilhelm. 7. 8, 34 

Kingsbridge, 3. 10. 17. 20, 23, 25, 27. 

63. 77- 80. 85, 96. 103 
King's Battery, 24 
Kingsbridge Heights, 25 
Kingsbridge Farm, 25 
Kingsbridge Road, 17, 28, 42. 46. 6^. 

75. 76. 77. 92. loi 
Kingsbridge Shin Canal. 79 
Kingsbridge TolN. 17 
King Edward VI., 88 
Kirrland, 99 
Kissing Bridge, 91 
Knight, Madam, 17, .32 
Ko'ck, 7 
Knyphausen. Count Von. 57 



Laaphawatchking. 4. 53 
Laconia, TO^ 

Lafavette. General. 23. 3.'?, 9° 
Lafavette .Avenue or Lane, 91 



"Land of Peace," .53 
Lee, General, 55, 56 
Loggett Burying Ground, 89 
Leggett Dock, 89 
Leggett Family, 90 
Leggett's Lane, 72, 99 
Leggett Mansion, 72 
Leggett, Mr., 87 
Leggett, Nanc\. 8<i 
Leggett Point. 72 
Legg-tt, Wilbam, 89 
Lincoln, General. 63 
Lincoln Park Station, 21 
Livingston, R. R., 25 
Locust Point, 103 
"Locusts," The, 88 
London, 107 

Long Island, 63, 65, 67 

Long Island Sound, 5. .'^, 11, 53. 61. 
63. fi5. 67, 69, 71, 72, 74. 95 

Longfellow Street or Avenue, loi 

Longwood Avenue, 72, 91 

Longwood Club House, 72, 91 

Longwood Park, 72, loi 

Lorillard Acre of Roses, 47 

Lorillard Estate, 46 

Lorillard Falls. 47 

Lorillard Family, 99 

Lorillard. Jacob, Mansion. 75. 76 

Lorillard Mansion, Bronx Park. 7, 47 

Lorillard Mansion, Zere.ga's Point, 69 

Lorillard. Pierre, 47. 48 

Lorillard Snuff Mill, 47 

Lorillard Studio. 47 

Louis XIV., 33 

Lovelace. Governor, 64 

Lovers' Lane. 47. loi 

"Lower Cortlandt's." 19 

Ludlow Island. 103 

Lvdig Familv. i 

Lydis's IMills, 45. 48 

Lynch. Dominick. 9 



M 



"Macedonia." The. 61 

Macedonia Hotel, 61 

Macomb. Alexander, 80 

Macomb's P.riilge. 80 

Macomb's Dam, 81 

Macomb's Dam Bridge, 80, 81, 96 

Macomb's Dam Park, 83 

Macomb Mansion, 17. 18, loi 

Macomb's Road, 75. ."6, 96, loi 

Madison Avenue l^ridge, 81 

Mali, H, W. T., 24, loi 

Mamimepoe, 4, 5. n 

Mancttas. 3 

Alanhattan I-land. 3. 7. 17. -:^. M- 4- 

55, 63 
Manor of F(U-dham. 77 

Mansions in the Bronx — 
Arnold. 72. 99 
Baretto. 89, 99 
Bartow, 11, 53, 56 
Benson, 74 
Camp, lOl 

Casanova (Whitlock), 7,^, 74 
Claflin, loi 
Dashwood. loi 
Dalcr, 72, 99 
De Graaf, 37 
Dennison-Whitc, 72, loi 
Dickey. 09 
Dodge. loi 
Faile. 88. 90 
Ferris. 67 
Forrest. lOl 
Fox, 88, 99 
Havemeyer, 67 
Hoe, P. A., 99 



4J6 



HISTORICAL INDEX 



Mansions in the Brcnx — 

Hoe, R. M., 99 

Hunt, 90 

Hinitington, 67 

Iselin, 57 

Leggett, 72 

Lorillard, Jacob, 75, 76 

Lorillard, Pierre, 7, 47 

Lorillard, Zerega's Point, 69 

Macomb, 17, iS loi 

Mali, loi 

Marcher, loi 

Marshall, 59, loi 

Morris, Goiiverneur, 33 

Morris, Lewis, 33, 34 

Morris, Lewis G., 75, loi 

Morris, William H., 37 

Ogden (Pelham Bay Park), 57 

Ogden, William B. (Boscobel), loi 

Pell, 57 

Poole, J. D,, loi 

Simpson, 99 

Spofford, 88, 99 

Stebbins, 95 

Stanton, "jd 

Thompson, loi 

Van Cortlandt, 17. 27 

Vyse, 87, 99 

Walker, 42 

White, loi 

Willett. 9 

Wilson. loi 

Zborowski. 83, 95 

Zerega, 69 
Marcher Avenue. 06 
Marcher Mansion. loi 
Marcy, Governor. 88, 92 
Marion Avenue. loi 
Marshall Mansion. i;9, io.t 
Matilda Street, 50 
Mayane, 5 
McLean Avenue, 49 
"Meigs. General," 67 
Melrose, 74, 85. 103 
Melrose Park. 83 
Melrose, South, 103 
"Mercury," The. 71 
Middletown, 103 
Middletown Road, 6; 
Mile Square. 55. 56 
Mile Square Road, 23. 49 
Mill at Kingsbridge, 79 
Mill Brook. 3. 32, 74 
Mill Creek, 16 ' 
Mill Lane, 16. 88 
"Minford Place." loi 
Minford. Thomas. loi 
Minneford's or City Island, 59. 61 
Minneford Avenue. 61 
Minuit. Governor. 7 
Mishow (Indian Rock), 57 
Mohawk Indians, 10 
Mohicans (Mohegans"), 3 
Monterey. loi 
Monfeomery. General Richard. 24. 25, 

27, 77 
Montgomery. General Richard's Will, 27 
Montressor"s Island. 63 
Morgnn. Rev. Joseph. 15 
Morrell Park. 103 
Morris. Augustus Newbold. 34 
Alorris Avenue. 103 
Morris, Captain Richard. 33. 34 
Morris. Colonel. 34 
ATorris Dock. 80. lOI 
Morris Farm, 35 
'^'forris Farm House, 37 
Morris, General, 33 
Morris. General. House, 77 
Morris, Gouverneur. 31. 33. 34. 75 
Morris. Gouverneur. II.. 35. 37. 74 
Morris Gouverneur, Mansion, 33 



Morris, Gouverneur, Mrs.. 74 

Morris Heights, loi 

Morris, James, 37 

Morris High School, 32 

Morris Lane, 55 

Morris, Lewis, 30, 99 

Morris, Lewis G., 75, 80, loi 

Morris, Lewis, Residence, 34 

Morris, Mrs. .\ugusla De Puyster, 34 

Morris Park, 103 

Morris Tree, 31 

Morris, William H., :^7 

Morris. William H., Gate House, 35 

Morrisania, S, 7, 30, 31, 32, 33, 35, 38, 

-13, 85, 96, 103, IDS, 107 
Morrisania, East, 99, loi 
Morrisania Mill, 96 
Morrisania, Old, 33, 34 
Morrisania Manor, 'ii 
?\iorrisania Station, 85 
Alorrisania Town Hall, 37 
Morrisania, West, 37 
Mosholu, 103 
Mosholu Parkway. 27. 103 
Mott Avenue. 8?, \o\ 
Mott, De Witt C, 37 
Mott, Frank P.. 37 
Mott Haven. 31. 85. 99, loi 
Motte's Residence. 76 
Mount Eden, loi 
Mount Fordham, 75. loi 
Mount Hope, 75. 83. loi 
Mount Hope Hill, 75. 83. loi 
Mount Pleasant. loi 
Mount St. Vincent, loi, 103 
Mount Vernon. 51, 103 
Mount Washington, 63 
Muscoota, 3 



N 



Negro Fort, 27 

Neperhaem, 10 

Neutral Ground. 18. 30. 42 

New Amsterdam, 7, 8 

New Netherland, 10, 11 

New Rochelle, i, 17, 28, 31, 32, 53, 56. 

.=-, 63. 8s 
"New Village," 34. 35. 2,7 
New York, 103 
New York and Harlem Railroad. 29. 35. 

49, 75, 102 
New York Bay, 74 
New York Botanical Garden, 2, 47 
New York Central Railroad. 85 
New York Central Railroad. Putnam 

Branch, 85 
New York Central Railroad Power 

House, 71 
New York City, 57, 80. 91. 92 
New York University. loi 
New York Zoological Park, 45 
Nichols, Governor, 43, 69, 87 
Nimham, 4, 23 
Nipinichsan. 3 
Nolan's Hotei. 76 
Nonpareil. So 
Nnrth Melrose. 103 
Noith Brother Island, "I, 72 
North New York, loi 



Oaklawn. loi 
Oak Point, 72, 99 
Oak Ridg Club House, 03 
Oak Tree Plot. 43 
Oak Tree Stump. 75 
Oakley Grove. 75 
Oaklev. IMiles. 75 
Odell Family. 15 
Odell's Tavern, ig 



Ogden Mansion (Highbridge), loi 
Ogden Mansion (Pelham Bay Park), 

57 
Ogden, William B., loi 
Oldboy, Felix, 105 
Old-Fashioned Flower Garden. 47 
Old French Inn, 18 
"Old Pell House," 11 
"Old Stone Jug," 35 
Olinville, 103 
One Hundred and Forty-fifth Street 

Bridge, Si 
Oostdorp, 13 



Palmer, Benjamin and Philip, 61 

Palmer, Nathan, 66 

Palmer, Samuel, 5 

Papirinamen, 3 

Park Avenue Bridge. 81 

Park Department, 103 

Park Versailles, 103 

Parks of the Bronx — 

Bronx, I, 5, 7, 41, 48. 74, 85 

Cedar (Sigel), 81 

Claremont, 83. 95 

Crotona, 39 

Echo, 83 

Fordliam, 83 

Joseph Rodman Drake, 90 

Macomb's Dam, 83 

Melrose, 83 

Pelham Bay, 4, s, 8. 11. 53 

Poe, 83 

Rose Hill, 83 

St. James', 83 

St. Mary's, 83 

L'niversity, 83 

Van Cortlandt. 10. 21. 25 

Washington Bridge, 83 
Parkways — 

Crotona, 42 

Mosholu, 27 

Pelham, 66 

Spuyten Duyvil. 3, 79 
Parsonage Land. Westchester, 11 
Parsons, Dr. John. 25 
Pasture Hill Burying Ground. 13 
Patti. Adelina. 50 
Paul House. 66 
Peabody Home. 42 
"Pearl of the Sound." 59 
Peary, Lieutenant. 96 
Peckaniens, 10 
Pelham, 5, 11, 53. 57. 58, 65 
Pelham Avenue, 75, loi 
Pelham Bay, 8, 67 

Pelham Bai' Park, i. 4. 5, 8. 11. 53, 85 
Pelham Bridge. 8. 55. 65 
Pelham Manor, 56 
Pelham Neck, 3. 4. 11. 63, 103 
Pelham Parkway. 66 
Pelham Priory, 53 
Pell. Benjamin, 56 
Pell Family, 99 

Pell Family Burying Ground, 56 
Pell Family Crest, 56 
Pell House, 55 
Pell. Isec. 56 
Pell. Joshua. House, S7 
Pell. John. TI. s6 
Pell. Jo.^eph. (^7 
Pell. Lord. 53 
Pell. Major Samuel, 15 
Pell Manor Plouse. 57 
Pell Mansion (Wolf's Lane). 5-, '^7 
Pell. Phebe. 57 
Pell. Salom. 57 
Pfll. Thomas. 11. 53, .=;6 
Pell. Thomas. Deed of Westchester, II 
Pell's Land, 5 



HISTORICAL INDEX 



417 



Pell's Point, 55 

Pennyfield, 103 

Perry, Commodore, 28 

"Peter of the Mills," 45 

Peter Valentine Farm House, 76 

Phantom Fire Ship, 53 

"Phenix," The, 23 

Philipse, Frederick, 79 

Pinchey, John, 15 

"Place of Stringing Beads," 4 

"Planting Field" (.Dr. A. Van der 

Donck), 10 
"Planting Neck" (Hunt's Point), 89, 90 
Pleasantville, 48 
Pocaliontas, 74 
Pocahontas Railroad. 74 
Poe Cottage, 77, 83, 101 
Poe, Edgar Allan, 76, 77 
Poe, Mrs., 76, 77 
Poe Park, 83 
Poole. J. T.. loi 
Portchester Railway. 105 
Port Morris, 31, 71. 74, loi 
Port Morris Railroad, 31 
Post. Frederick. 21 
Pot Rock. 71 
Potter Place, 103 
Powell Farm House. 76 
Powell. Rev. William. 76 
Presbyterian Church, Westchester, 56, 63 
Prcscott, Colonel, 63 
Prospect Avenue, 72, 74 
Prospect Hill, 11, 57. loi 
Province of New York. 61 
Pudding Rock, I 
Pugsley's Causeway. 2 
Purdy's Grocery Store. 74 
Purdv, Samuel M.. 99 
Putnam Branch, N. Y. C. R. R.. 2^. R^ 
Putnam Branch, N. Y. C. R. R. Bridge. 

80 
Putnam. Israel, 66 



Quaker Meeting Houses. Westchester, 

Quarry Road, 43, 75 
Queens County, 87 
Ouinnahung, 89 
Quckog. 4 



Railroads — 

New York & Harlem, 35, 49, 75. S3, 

105 

New York Central. 85 
New York Central, Putnam Branch. 
23, 8s 
New York Central. Putnam Branch. 
Yonkers Division. 85 
New York, New Haven & Hartford, 

8S 

New York, New Haven & Hartford 
(Suburban Branch). 85 

New York. New Haven & Hartford 
(Suburban Branch), Harlem River 
Station, 7 
Railways — 

•■Huckleberry" or Union. 85 

Portchester. 69 

Suburban Elevated. 8.t 

Subway. 85 

Westchester & Boston, 105 
Ranaqua. 7 
"Ranaaue." 99 
Randal's Map. 75 
Randall's Island. 96 
Ranelagli. Countess of, 25 
Ratilesnake Brook, s. ifi. 52 
"Raven," The. 76 
Raymond, Seth, 46 



Rechgawac, 10 

Reid, John. 16 

Reid, Roberl, 16 

Reid's Mill. 16 

Rhinelander Sugar House Window, 21 

Richardson, John, 42. 43, 87, 89 

Richardson, Thomas. 87, 99 

Richardson. William, 4 

"Ridgelawn." loi 

Piker's Island, 71 

Riverdale, 19, loi, 103 

Riverdale Avenue, 18 

Riverdale Lane, ig 

Roberts, Rev. Mr., 67 

Roberts' House, 67 

Rochambeau. 96 

Rockin.g Stone, i 

"Rocklands." 87. gg 

"Rocky Cliff." loi 

Rodman Place. loi 

Rodmian's Neck. 103 

Rodman's Point. 55 

Rogers. Jason, gg 

Roger Williams, g 

"Rose." The, 23 

"Rose Hill" (Featherbed Lane), 101 

"Rose Hill" (Fordham). 76. 96 

Rose Hill Farm House, 76. 83 

Rose Hill Manor House. 76. 8^ 

Rose Hill Park. 83 

"Roseland," loi 

Rowe. Captain. 21 

Royal Charter of St. Peter's Church, 

Westchester. 11 
Rutgers' Street Burial Plot, Woodlawn, 

49 
Ryer Avenue, 103 



S 



St. Ann's Avenue, 74, 84 

St. Ann's Church, 74 

St. James' Church. 83 

St. James' Park. 83 

St. John's Colle.ge. 76 

St. Mary's Park. 84 

St. Paul's Church, Eastchester, 14. 15. 

4g 
St. Paul's Churchyard. Eastchester. T~,. 

57 
St. Peter's Church. Westchester. 11, 69. 

75. 89. 105 
Sands, Comfort, 15 
Sands Point. 15 
Sanders Landing, 15 
Sank-hi-can-ni, 3 
Sarin.go. g. 10 
Saw Mill Brook, 32 
Schieffelin Domain. 28 
School House. Old (Melrose). 31 
Schuyler Family. 33 
Schuyler. Fort. 65, 67. 103 
Schuylerville. 103 
Schwab. Gi'stav. 24 
Scott. Sir Walter. 88 
Screven Place. 69 
Screven's Point. ^. 67 
fieabury. Right Rev. .Sanuiel, 15. 69 
Seawant. 4 

Secor. David Pell. 57 
Secor Fann'ly. 99 
Secor Hill. 57 
.Second Avenue Bridge. 81 
.Sedgwick .Avenue. lOl 
"Seneca Chief." 28 
Seton Cave. 5t. 52 
Scion F'alls. 28. 51 
Seton PTall. 52 
•-eton Homestead. 103 
.Seton Mansion, 52 
Stwanoes, 3, 4, 5, 59. 60 



Sevranoes, Castle, 5 

Shatemuc, 3 

"Shingled House," 28 

Shore Road, 55 

Shute, Thomas, 16 

Sigel Park, 83 

Silver Lake, 48 

Simpson, J. P.. & W. W.. gg 

Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de 

Paul, loi 
Siwanoys, 3, 53 
Skeleton of Indians. 4 
"Skinners," 17, 18, 66 
Slagbom, Antonia, 7 
Snake Hill, 75 
Snake Hill (Harlem), 96 
Sound, Long Island. 5. 8, 11. 53, 55, 

61. 63, 65. 67. 6g. 71^ 72, 74, 95 
South Belmont, 103 
South Fordham, loi 
South Mount \"ernon, 103 
South Washingtonville. 103 
Southern Boulevard. 2, ,38, 42, 72. loi 
Southern Westchester Turnpike, 105 
Spain. 99 
.Spaniards, gg 
Spencer's Corners, 66 
Spiting Devil, 17 
Split Rock. I, 8. 53. 57 
Split Rock Road, i, ii, 55 
Spofford Mansion, 99 
Spofford, P. N., 99 
"Springhurst." gg. loi 
Spuyten Duyvil. 3, 19. 80. 10^ 
Spuyten Duyvil Creek, 3, 10, 18. 24. 77, 

103 
Spuyten Duyvil Heights. 19 
Spuyten Duvvil Hill. 24 
Spuyten Duyvil Parkway. ->. 10. 79 
Spuyten Duyvil Railroad Bridge. 79 
.Spuyten Duyvil Valley, 27 
"Spy House." 38 
'-nv Tree. 63, 66 
Stamford. 6^ 
.Stanton, Joseph. x6 
Stcbbins Mansion. 95 
.Stenton Mansion, 75, 76. loi 
.Stcnton Willow. TCI 
Stenning Stones. 65 
Stepping Stones Light, 65 
Stewart. A. T., ys 
.■utiles. President Yale College. 55 
.Stinardtown. lo^ 
-Stockbridffe Indians. 23 
.'-trans'. Peter. 24 
.Stuvvesant. Governnr. o. 10. 6; 
Suburban Branch. N. Y.. N. H. & H 

R. R.. 85 
Suburban Elevated Railway. 85 
.■^ubway. 43, 85, 105 
"Sunny Slope," 99 



Tacharew. to 

Taekamuck. 7 

Tappan. Judge, tor 

Tapoan. Judge. Residence. loi 

Tarlelon. Lienlcnant-Colonel, 23 

Temple, Charlotte. 32 

Tetard Farm. 24 

Tetard's Hill, 25 

Tetard, J. P., 25, 27, 77 

Thames. 107 

Third Avenue. 20. 37. 39, 43, 75. lOT 

Thirteenth Mile Stone, 19 

Thompson, W. W.. Residence, loi 

Thorn's Corners. 19 

Throckniorlon. John. 7. 8. 9 

Throckmorton's Neck. 8 

Throgg's Neck, 8, 9, 55, 61, 63, 67, lo;. 



41S 



HISTORICAL INDEX 



'I'lnvnilc's Old lloiiK-slcad. 06 
Tibbitt (Set- Tipijctt) 
Tiffany Family, 88 
'I'iffany, H. D., 99 

Tippett's Brook, 3, 18, 23 
Tippett Family, 18 
Tippett, George, iS 
Tippett's Hill, 18, 19, 23 
Tippett House, 18 
Tippett Valley. 43 
Town Hall of Morrisania, 37 
Townsend Poole Cottage, 96 
Treaty Oak, 53 
Tremont, 32, 43, 75, 85, 103 
Tremont Avenue, 75 
Tremont Old School House, 75 
Tremont Station, 85 

Tryon, Governor, 66 
Twin Islands, 57 
Two Brother Islands, 71 



U 



Temperanec 



Uncle Daniel Mape 

House, 42 
Underbill Burying Ground. 66 
Underbill, Captain John, 8 
Underbill, Mrs. Lancaster, 15 
Underbill, Nathaniel, 66 
L'nderhill, Annie, 66 
Union Hill, loi 
LTnion Place, 37 
LTnion Railway. 37, 85 
Unionport, T03 
University Park. 83 
"Upper Cortlandts," 19 
Upper Morrisania, 85, loi 



Valentine Avenue, 77 

Valentine Family, So 

Valentine Family Vault, 77 

Valentine Farm House, 27, 49 

Valentine's Hill, 56 

Valentine, James, 77 

Valentine, Peter, 76 

Valentine, Peter, Farm House, 76 

Van Corlear, Anthony. 19 

Van Curlear. Arent, 34 

Van Cortland. Stevanus, 96 

Van Cortlandt. Augustus, 23 

Van Cortlandt Family. 33 

Van Cortlandt PTouse, Old. 21 

Van Cortlandt Lake. 10, 18, 23 

Van Cortlandt Mansion, 17, 21, 23. 27. 

49 
Van Cortlandt Miller's Plouse, 20 
Van Cortlandt Mills, 10, 21 
Van Cortlandt Park. to. 21. 25. 85 
Van Cortlandt Park Parade Ground. 19 
Van Cortlandt Vault. 23 
Van Cortlandt Woods, 23 
Van der Donck. Dr. Adrian, 7, 10. 77 
Van der Donck. Death of, 10 



\'an der Donck, House of, 10 

\':.n der Donck's, Literary Works of, 

10 
Van der tloyken, Cornelius, 10 
Van Nest, 103 
Van Renssalaer, 33 
Van Ruyven. Cornelius, 11 
Van Thenhoven, 10 
Varian, Dr. William A., 20 
Varian. Isaac, Homestead, 27, 49 
Vault Hill, 10, 23 
Verveelen, Johannes, 30 
Villa Boscobel, loi 
Vincent-Halsey House, 16 
Vincent. Elijah, 16 
"Virginins," 99 
Vredcland, 8. 11, 13, 53 
Vyse Estate, 87 
Vyse Mansion, 87, 99 
Vyse, T. A., 99 



W 



Walker Houses, loi 
Walker Mansion, 42 
Wakefield. 28, 50, 103 
Walton Avenue, 103 
Walworth, Chancellor, 
Wampage, 4. 5 
Wampum, 4 
Ward Fami 
Wardsville, 
Wasliington 
Washington 
Washington 
Washington 
Washington, 
28. 32, 33. 
W^isbington 



80 



lOI 

Avenue, 75, 76. 10 1 
Bridge. 79. 80, 96. loi 
Bridge Park, E3 
Capitol at, 74 
General, 2, 15, 21, 23, 27 
42. 55. 56, 63. 75. 76, 90, ')(» 
General. Mrs., ~- 
Washington's Gun House, 49 
Washingtonville, 49. 50. 103 
Watson Mansion (See Wilmont) 
Watson. William, 99 
Webb Academy (Siiipbuilders' Home), 

lOI 

Webster Avenue, 3. 49. 83 
Weckquaesgcek Indians, 5, 7 
Wendover Avenue, 39 
Wendover, Congressman. 39 
Westchester, 5. 7, 11. 13, 42. 

89. 91. 103. 105. 
& Boston Railroad, 

Battle of, 63 

Causewav. 6^ 

. 66, 80. 



5.=;. 65, 
107 

105 



74. 75. 85 
Westchester 
Westchester. 
Westchester 
Westchester County, 6 

107 
Westchester Creek. 8. 13. 56, 65 
Westchester Golf Club. 2 
Westchester Country Club. 56 
'Westchester Guides," 96 
Westchester Mill. 63 
Westchester Path. 63 
Westchester Presbyterian Church, 

63 



67, 



85, 87, 



Westchester Railroad Station, 67 
Westchester Turnpike, 2, g, /2. 74. S7. 

88 
West Farms, 5, 7, 13, 41, 42, 48, 75. 8;. 

89, 90, loi, 103, 107 
West Farms Road, 87. 88 
West Farms Station. loi 
West India Company, 10 
West Morrisania, 37. loi 
West Mount Vernon, 49 
West Tremont, loi 
"Whispering Bell,'' 16 
White's Lane, 72 
White, S. B., loi 
\\'hite Plains, 55 
White Plains Road, 28, 64, 105 
Whitlock, B. M., 73, 99 
Wbitlock Mansion, 73 
Wigwams, 4 
Wild Boar Hill. 21 
Wilkins, Gouverneur Morris. 69 
A\'ilkins, Rev. Isaac, 13, 69 
Wilkins Farm House, 9 
Willett Family, 90 
Willett Mansion, 9 
Willett, I'homas, 9 
Willett's Point, 9 

(Long Island). 



27, 28, 47 



Reservoir. 
Road. 27 



Willett's Point 
Williamsbridge, 

92. 101, 103 
Williamsbridge 
Williamsbridge 
Williams' Farm. 28 
Williams' House, 28 
Williams. Roger, 9 
"Wilmont," 2, 74. 99 
Willis Avenue Brid.ge, 81 
Wilson Mansion, loi 
Wilton, 101 
Wolf's Lane. 55, 57 
Woodlawn, 51. 103. 105 
Woodlawn Cemetery, 13. 28. 4g 
"Woodside," 88. 99 
Woodstock. lor 
Worcester. 71 
Wright's Island. 103 



Yaeger Camp. 19 

Yaegers, 21, 63 

Yonkers, IQ 

Yonkers. Broadway. 10. 20 



67 
56, 



S5 



28, 92 



Yonkers Line, 
Yorkville. 8 



103 



5f'. 



Zborowski Family. 83 
Zborowski Mansion, 83 
Zerega Mansion. 69 
Zcrega's Point. h~ 
Zcrega's Point (Ferris Mnn-i. 
Zoological Park, i, 45 




BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX 



If Looking for Portrait, Consult First Number ; if Looking for Biograptiy, Consult Second Number. In Cases 
Wfiere Only One Number is Given, Ttiere is Eitlier no Biography or no Portrait. 



Adlcr, Julius 

Alir, Henry 

Allen, Frederick Hobbes 

.rVmbos, C. Ludwig 

American Real Estate Couipan\ 

Amster, Julius L 

Anderson, Matthew 

Arctander, Arthur 

Arnow, Richard N 

Austin. William I' 



B 



I'.ailey, S. S 

!5ambey, John 

r.aker, Seward 

liarnard, Everett L 

Bartels, John 

Barton, C. E 

Baxter, Charles A 

Beal, William R 

Beatcher, Charles 11 

Bell, Hal 

Bergen, John Henry 

Bergen, Michael J 

Bergen, William C 

tlerginan, Robert II 

Bcrrian, Ciiarles Alberl... 

Bird, George W 

ijiumenhauer, Bernard . . . 
J.ioese, Frederick Wiliiam. 

Brady, John J 

Brandt, William H 

Boehmer, Arthur 

Boettger, H. W 

Borgstede. Jolm G 

Both, Herman 

lirand!, William H 

[;.reen, MaUhew V 

Brener, Samuel 

Briggs, Josiah Acktrmau.. 
Britton, Nathaniel Lord. . 

Braun, Franz 

Brown, Roliert Ingraham. 

Bruckner, ITenrj' 

Bryant, J. Wilson 

Buokliout, James 

Ilurgoyne, John T. 
Butts, Arlhitr C. . - 
Byrnes, James J. . 
Byrne, Tlimnas J . 



Cahill, Edward J 

Callan, James Edward. 



r.\'',E 

1^8, 159 

M4, 3-44 

J08, 207 

156, 150 

-55, 255 

156, 161 

-•48, 249 

— , 347 

182, I S3 

152, 269 



jSi, 
'77, 
-'06, 

■374. 
.148, 
■^32, 
.293, 
399. 
.196, 
.366, 
366, 
-■66, 
193. 
-'46, 



iiS, 
■185. 
.318, 



■■■137, 

.■.,«6, 
,;i8. 
178, 

J-'O, 

. .213, 

. . .216, 

... 270, 

... 220, 

■ •.350, 

. .200, 

Insert) 

.378. 

. . . 182, 

■ ■ -374, 
, . ..214, 



40b 
28 [ 
177 

2CI 
371 
153 
233 
2Q3 
399 
193 
380 
380 
265 
192 
247 
331 
35' 
117 
1S4 

359 
38s 
237 
333 
327 
I7-J 
22.3 

2T3 
217 

2—1 

352 
199 
285 

183 
371 
21'; 



• 2.38, 235 
.230. 229 





p.\rE 


Calvert, John 1 


■345, 345 


Caron, Alphou 


■ -362, 357 


Carrigan, Jann 


■ -340, 335 


Caterson, Robert . . . 


• • — , 32' 


Cary, W. Guy. . . 


■353, 353 


Chapin, Bl. Gerald 


..194, 193 


Chauvet, Joseph 1 ' 


■356, 35S 


Clark, Blerbert Wnimi, 


. .226, 221; 


Clarke, George W 


.406, — 


Clendennin, Frank Moiv. i- 


■ — ; 117 


Clifton, Edward Ge iryc 


..117, :i7 


Clinton, Owen Jo-i ': 


• ■ -, .361 


Clocke, T. Emory. . 


. .201, 201 


Clune, Patrick ] in 1 . . ( 1 


isert) 409 


Cogan, John F 


■ ■ 264, 26.5 


Cohalan. John P 


..188, 186 


Comfort, John E. . 


■151, 151 


Comfort, Randall 


.203, 203 


Cook, Fre.iericlc 


■ ■ -, 3'^3 


Cooney, Michael J 


. .207, 207 


Costello, James B . , . . 


■ • — 351 


Coulter, Charles B 


■ ^253, 253 


Cowan, Joseph ... 


■ ■ -, 380 


Crayv'ford, Francis ... 1 1 


iscrt) 307 


Cruickshank. Alexander 


■ 322, 323 


Curtiu, Thomas llayts.. 


■150, 153 


D 

Daly, James R. L 


. .218. 217 


Damm, Frederick 


.270, 260 


Darlington, Thomas 


■ 142, 143 


Daub, William .... 


■348, 340 


Davies, J. Clarence. . 


. .221, 221 


Davis, John . 


■205, 20s 


Davidson, John 


. .220, 219 

.404, — 
■.370, 369 


Dcacy, William 1 1 


Dinwoodie, Thomas Dalziel . 


Doll, Charles 


218, 2V.) 


Doll, Frederick 


.310, 3Tt 


Doll, George . 


■310, 311 


Doll, Jr.. Jacob 


■ 3ro, 3it 


Doll, Jacob 


■ 310, 311 


Doll, Otto 


. .310, 311 


Dressel, George C 


■ 316, 31? 


Dunn, James P 


■370, 3S9 


Dunn, John P 


.2ir, 211 


E 
Earlcy, Cornelius J 


.210, 2in 


Ebling, Philip .... 


.300. 299 


Ebling, Jr., Phibp. . 


.300, 299 


Ebling, William 


.300, 299 


Eckel, PI. Tl. .. 


.406, — 


Eckley, Ernest R 


.206, 209 


Filler. AVilliam Rirhnrd 


^7<'\ .375 



420 



BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX 



PAcr 

Ehret, George 298, 297 

Eichler, John 294, 295 

Eulensteiii, Gusta ve 238, 239 

Eiistis, John E 186, 185 

Everett, Peter J 195, 195 

F 

Eabel, Christopher — , 365 

Falk, Louis 260, 259 

i'ennell, Gtorge \V 378, 377 

Feust, Sigmund 308, 309 

riencke, George 336, 359 

Fighnolo, Julius 242, 242 

Fitch, Josiuh FI 214, 213 

Fleming, John 250, 251 

Fogal, George Provost 224, 225 

Folz, Fredf rick 291, 29J 

Fox, John J 342, 347 

Fransioli, William J 399, 399 

Fraser, Wallace S 181, 181 

Frees, John 238, 239 

Frees, John F 379, 379 

Freudenmn-'her. Pnillip 244, 239 

Freutel, August J 156, 157 

Frey, Gustave 197, 197 

Friedgen, George 372, 381 

F'urlong, Richard 330, 335 

Furthman, C. A 195, 195 

G 

Gainsborg, S. H 235, 235 

Gariess, Jr., Augustus 333, 333 

Garniss, John P 338, 337 

Garvin, Michael John 290, 290 

Gass, Frank 275, 275 

Germain, William S 372, 382 

Ghee, John F 252, 254 

Gilmore, Alfred C 358, 357 

Gminder, George ¥ 303, 308 

Goeb, Edward T 384, 388 

Goetz. Pet^r 362, 367 

Goodall. Williim Ainslee 147, 147 

Gotshall, W. C 395, 395 

Goulden, Joseph A 274, 274 

Graham. Charles PI;;llett 216, 215 

Greene, Simon FTarry 160. 161 

Greenlees, Thomas 248, 249 

Greenlees, William 248, 249 

GreifFenberg. Frederick 216, 215 

Griffin, Anthony Jerome 206, 203 

Grossman, George J 282, 2S1 

Guernsey. Rocellus Sheri.lan 187, 1S7 

Gumbleton. Henry A 196, 197 

H 

Haas, Leopold F. W 156, 1^9 

Haffen. Henry 348, 340 

Haffen. John 302, 303 

Haflfen, John M 302, 303 

Haffen, Louis F (Frontispiece) 272 

Haflfen, Malhias 302, 303 

Haffen, Mathias (the elder ) 302, 303 

Haiss, George 318, 317 

Flail, Frederick 354, 353 

Hallock, Preslon Charles 196, igs 

Hantmer, Julius 160, 159 



PAGE 

Harrington, Matthew J 288, 288 

Hartman, Christian Henry 376, 389 

hartmayer, John 376, 375 

Haskin, Harry R 356, .382 

Idaskin, John B 287, 285 

Hauck, Edward T 338, 337 

Hovey, William T 260, 262 

Healey, Edward H 281, 281 

Healy, Jerome F 364, .387 

Fiecht, Michael 214, 215 

Heilmann, Harry 340, 330 

Heintz, Louis J 279, 279 

Henning, H. J 404, — 

Henning. Miss Mary M 231, 231 

Henry, Martin L 252, 254 

Hermanni, Emil Von 222, 223 

Heuel, Emil 143, 143 

Hey, George 318, 325 

Flickey, John J 218, 217 

Hiers, William F 295, 295 

! liggins, Edward 155, 155 

llildreth, John Homer 183, 183 

Hitchcock, Frederick 356, 3')i 

Hodgins, William H 354, .363 

iJocbermann, August 260, 254 

Hoflfman, Martin 368, 375 

Hoffmann. Philipp 338, 337 

Holahan. Frank S 356, 389 

Holtenroth, Adolph C 184, 184 

Hottenroth. Christian C 244, 245 

Kottenroth, Frederick Wdliam 200, 197 

How, Lucius Wallace 158, 159 

Hume. John Charlick 347, 347 

Huntress, William A 261, 261 

Hupfel, Adolph G 296, 297 

Hupfel, Anton 297, 297 

Hutter, Leopold 224, 223 

Hyatt, Jonathan D 280, 2.S0 

llynes, John Joseph .• 204, 201 

Ingram. Edgar George 358, 35,=; 

.Ireland, Augustus ,A .' 270. 271 

J 

Jenkins, Thomas J 238, 239 

Tones, Israel Cone 144, 145 

Jones, Joseph Harris 227, 22'' 

Jordan, John Thomas 362, 367 

Junge, Bernard William 157, 157 

K 

Kantor, William L 150, 155 

Karlstrom, M 304, 305 

Kcarns. Philip J 269. 269 

Keating. \V Uliam Honan 258, 261 

Kelly, Timothy J 244, 245 

Kephart, William Howard it6, ii.= 

Ketner, George Joseph Melancthon n8, 117 

Kiernan, Thonnas 406, — 

Kiernan, Thomas F 389, 3.^3 

Kiesling, Charles 364, 369 

Kiesling, William 364. 369 

King, A. Arthur '. 116. 117 

King. James M — , 383 

Kinkle, Jr.. George ,^04. 303 

Kjrchhof, Cbarlc?^ George 148, J5j 



BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX 



42J 



1'ac;e 

Kirchhof, Peter 30J, 306 

Kirchoff, Franz Frederick 308, 313 

Kline, William T 154, 155 

Knapp, Alvan Edward 116, 115 

Knauf, Charles 240, 241 

Knauf, Mrs. Charles 240, — 

Knecht, Frederick 342, 347 

Knoeppel, Harold Charles 210, 210 

Knoeppel, John M 289, 289 

Kronenberger, Lawrence 224, 223 

Kuntze, Charles 34°, ?39 

Ivuntze, Louis F 226,22; 

Kupka, August 219, 2tq 

Kurz, William F. A 230, 229 

L 

Laffargue, J. George 312. 313 

Langhein, J. C. Julius 191, 190 

Lanzer, J ohn — , 326 

Lee, Josepili Charles 346, 335 

Liebenau, Albert H 3()4, 369 

Liebertz, Joseph P 333- 333 

Leitner, Jacob 230, 231 

Lerch, John — , 351 

Levy, Herman J 366. 382 

Levy, L. E. & Co — . 361 

Lohbauer, Frederick 3A^. 339 

Long, Thomas J 345. 345 

Ludwig, John H 314. oM 

Ludlum, Fred. Willett 387, 387 

Lustgarten, Abraham 158, 159 

Lynch. Thomas A 372. 381 

M 

Maguire, James John 266, 263 

Malcolm, Thomas D 236, 237 

McDonald, Thomas J 404, — 

Meagher, John Joseph 384, 387 

Meehan. James V 232. 235 

Mehlem, John J 404, — 

Mehltretter, Charles F 226, 225 

Mellert, Frederick M 241. 241 

Messinger, Albert P 251, 251 

Messier, C. E 404, — 

Metzler, John H 267, 267 

Metzler, Harry 267, 267 

Meyerhoff. Qiarles .'\. D 378, 381 

Millard, William J 204. 207 

Miller, Rev. George Henry 1 18, 1 19 

Minor, Charles Fishley 291, 290 

Minor, Solomon Carringtnn 146, 149 

.\Titchell, Richard (Insert) 273 

Moebus, A\igust 283, 283 

Moebus, John Adam — , 3.39 

Molloy, James Matthew 264, 263 

Monaghan, John 358, 357 

Morris, Dave Hennen 198, 197 

Morris, William Ephraim 208, 207 

Montgomery, W. R 291, 2(xi 

mulholland. Joseph Augustus 158, 159 

Mulligan. William G 211, 21T 

Munch. Richard 222, 223 

Mutual Milk and Cream Company 328, 329 

McCaffrey. George J 260. — 

McCarthy. Maurice J 202, 109 

McCrea, William 182, 183 



PAGE 

I\lcCullough, Frederick William 346, 335 

McDonald, Robert F rancis 152, ISS 

McDonald, Thomas J 404, — 

McEUigolt, William 338, 339 

McGuire, Eugene J 289, 289 

McGuire, George H 146, 147 

:,'lcGuire, James Johr. 266, 263 

McKenzie, George 322, 323 

McKenzie, Archibald J 322, 323 

.McQuay, Beniamin Fr.inkliii 252, 254 

N 

Newman, Max H 224, 223 

Nimphius, John 362, 357 

Nixon, George 116, 115 

N ormoyle, John F' 228, 227 

O 

Olsen. Nils 240, 241 

Olt, George F". A 291, 290 

Osterman, Frederick 343, .343 

Oppenheim, M — , 335 

Overington, Harry 204, 199 

O'Connell, E. B 256, 271 

O'Connell, John P 374, 371 

O'Connor, George W 368, 377 

O'Hara, John L 250, 251 

O Hara, Peter Stephen 250, 253 

O'Leary, Arthur J ISO, 155 

O'Neil, Patrick J 410, 410 

O'Rorke. Thotnas F 266, 265 

(J'Ryan, John Francis 206, 203 

P 

Palen, George 222, 223 

Palumbo, V'incenzo 326, 325 

Parker, Alfred D 201, 201 

Parsons, John 146, 149 

Patterson, Thomas C 208, 209 

Pell, Henry Scofield — , 263 

Penfield, William Warner 379, 379 

I'etzoldt, Bernhardt 325, 325 

Phasey, Handel Victor 360, 3£9 

Phelps, E. F — , 3£2 

Piper, Samuel Matthew 256, 257 

Press, T. Channon 188, 186 

Price, George 252, 254 

Prime. William Jackson (Insert) 383 

Pullis, William Dodge 350, 385 

Q 

r)uinn. Thomas Joseph 243, 243 

Quirk, D. J 148, 149 

R 

Ragette, Anton 334, 367 

Ragette, R. R 406, — 

Randall, Sidwell S 210. 209 

Randel, W. A 144, 1 45 

Reeber, John Jacob 246, 245 

Reinhardt. Charles J 354, 353 

Reiter. Louis 270, 263 

Reville, Patrick J 284, 284 

Rexford, Daniel Allyng 264, 263 

Ricca, Hugo F 312, 314 

Ricca. Louis 312, 313 

Richter, Hugo 116, 115 

Rieger"s Sons, C 323, 323 



422 



BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX 



Ridil, William C. . . 

Riley, James G 

I-iissc, Louis Aloys 

Kobinsdii, William 11 

Robilzek, Gustaviis 

Rockwood, George Gardner 

Rodgcrs, Jr., John Cunninglian!. 

Ronncr, Jolm II. J 

Rosenberg, Henry 

Roth, Henry 

Rotherniel, Albert 

Rowan, Edward 

Rowan, William Henry 

Ruhl. I lenry 

Riippcrt, Jaeob 

Ryan, Philip Aiigtistus 



Salter, A. O 

SchiefFelin & Co 

Schmidt, I'"rederick 

Schmitt, William P 

Schinitz, William 

Schrader, J lenry C 

.Sehreyer, J iarry 

Schnlliofer. Sanmel 

Scoficld, Lydia 

.Sdiwannecke, Albert F 

Seabold, Jacob 

Sexton. Michael 

Shiel, Gerald 

Shiel, Peter Ashwin 

Silverman, MainMce J 

Simpson, William 

Simpson, William 

.Sonneborn, James P 

Smith, Clement Madden.... 

Smith, Edward 

Smith, F. Vinton 

Smith, William Stebbins.... 

Specht, Edmund E 

Spencer, Frank .Arminglnn. 

Sproessig, Charles M 

Stahl, Jr., Jacob 

Staib, Albert 

Starke, Gustave LI. E 

Stearns, T. Gerald 

Steele, Clarence Tisdale.... 

Steinmetz, John A 

Stephens, Olin James 

Stenrer, Charles David 

Stenrer, Charles David, Jr. . 

Stoeckel, Rndolnh F. 

Stonebridge, William LL . . . 

Slrader. George Asker 

Sfrich. William R 

Strieker, George J 

Stoughton, Charles 

Stumpf, Peter Jerome 

Sullivan, Michael J 

Snlzer, Ernest T 

Swift, William llenrv 



Kd 



2, 



PAGi 

406, — 

37(>, 380 

278, 27 J 

358, 355 

383. 3fi3 

332, 365 

268, 267 

276, 2S0 

330, 3.'5 

151, 151 

250, 25 1 

ii2, 36.? 

342, 3-1.; 

144. 145 

304. 30? 

216, 215 



. . .200, — 

.319. 519 
232, 233 

. . ( hisert) 307 
■ 239, 239 
. .283, 283 
. .412. 411 
. . 160, Kit 
• • — , 269 

152, 153 

340. 339 

. . . 264, 265 

■ .150, 153 

205, 205 

154. 157 

— 249 

...368, 377 
. . . 266, 262 
. . . 226, 225 
... - 321 

244. 245 

182, 185 

145. 145 

354. 363 

,^78, .165 

330. 388 

312. 314 

141. 142 

334, 382 

218, 217 

220, 221 

275. 27s 

40J, 402 

404. — 

332. 345 

232, 235 

Kit, 161 

308. 309 

, . . 228, 227 

...277, 277 

...368, 375 

. . tgfi. 209 

■ -336. 352 

— . 373 



'i'arbox, LJiram 

Taylor, William 

Thomp.son, Samuel Clareu 

'J'ierney, John M 

Tififany, George Fox 

'J'impson, Thomas William. 

Tracy, Patrick J 

Troeller, Adolpli 



Ullman, Charles Lewis 

Idlman Ctmipany, Sigmund, 
L^rcn, Thomas 1' 



Varian, Michael 

Van Doren, Louis A 

Van Etten, Nathan Bristol.. 

Van Guns, L. S 

^'an Orden, Frank M 

Vetterman, Charles William. 
Volbracht, Robert . . . 
Volgenau, Albert i'. . 

Vondran, Christian 

Von Duering. Adolpb 
Von Skal, George. . . 

Vought, Henry H 

> ou.slit, Nathan F. , , 



Wacheniheimer, Julius C. 
Vv'adick, Arthur Howard 

VV aegele, Jacob 

Wagener. August P . . . 

Wager, William J 

Wahle, Charles G. F. . . 

Wahn, 1 lenry 

Waldeyer, William ,Auii. 1 

Walter, Martin 

Walker, S\dney R. . . 

Wall, Arthur W 

\Vahvorth. John Charlc.^. 
Watson, 'Thomas Bowne. 

Watt, William G 

Weber, Charles Albert... 

Weil, Jonas 

Weinberger, Wilhehr. . 
Weiner, Alphonse W 
Westergren, M. E.... 
Wbewell, Walter .... 

White, Joseph J 

V.'illiamson, Smith . 

Wohn, Michael 

Wollner, Henrv 

Wood, Robert C 

W urm, Carl 

AVvman, Albert L 



York, John A . . . . 
Yukelson, Monis 



W 



PAGE 

.410, 410 

.318, 320 

.214, 213 

.181, 181 

■230, 231 

.366, 367 

■372, 373 

■ 370, 3''^^ 



•204, 199 
■328, 327 



■258, 259 

. 1S8, 189 

. 146, 149 

■390, 39C' 

154, 157 

■ — 371 
■342, 344 
•348, 352 
■243, 243 

■ [48, 153 
.285, 285 
•256, 250 
■256, 257 



■348, 3?-3 
.200, 199 
-350, 351 
.209, 209 
■ 370, 377 
.176, 177 
. [60. i6i 
■336, 365 
.258. 239 
.246, 247 
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.2SS, 262 Zeidler, Paul l\r 



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